Opening August 10TH, a show about dogs, people and the games they play

Chicago, IL – What happens when you take 12 formerly homeless dogs that have been adopted by humans who saw the pups’ potential when no one else did? You get twelve saved dogs—a wonderful thing. But what would happen if the humans who adopted those lucky dogs team up with a professional positive reinforcement trainer who teaches them how to train their furry charges to perform fun tricks? You get an entertaining, educational and gamely named show called Life’s Ruff.

Life’s Ruff2011 returns to the Gorilla Tango Theater–the dog-friendliest theater in all of Chicagoland–by popular demand after a two-year hiatus. Since a tough audition process during the cold days of winter, these dog-human teams have been practicing regularly in basements, church auditoriums and parks. They’ve been honing their commands, creating individualized routines, drilling trivia questions, all while dispensing treats for a job well done.

Life’s Ruff is the brainchild of positive reinforcement trainer Chris Dignan. His nonprofit organization, the Dog Saving Network, was created as a fun way to gently educate the public on the benefits of positive reinforcement training to curb the problem homeless dogs in our country face. By providing the basic training dogs need to succeed in their adoptive homes, not only are humans building strong bonds but they are also ensuring their dogs will lead happier, fulfilled lives.

Too often dogs are returned to shelters for behavior problems that can be fixed. The Dog Saving Network and LR2011 is dedicated to teaching as many people as possible how to turn that around. Audiences will learn about the joys of adoption, and the importance of spaying and neutering. But don’t expect any finger wagging. The only wagging will be of the tail variety. LR2011 is the only game in town where dogs and humans play basketball, spin the wheel, “answer” trivia questions and interact with the audience for cool prizes. LR2011 guarantees that each audience member leaves with a big smile, increased dog smarts and a desire to go out and spread the word about adoption and training. All of which will greatly improve chances that more dogs will be saved.

Life’sRuff2011 is hosted by Chris Dignan, who is a marine mammal trainer for the Shedd Aquarium by day.  It’s directed by Anderson Lawfer, actor, writer and game show host in Chicago. He is the creator of The Game Show Show…and Stuff! and Theatre Wars! at Strawdog Theater.  The show is a multimedia extravaganza sure to please all age groups.

Visit www.ChicagoDogNose.com for all the details

The Latest in Urban Dog Sports

You will learn how your dog’s nose knows, scent discrimination, and advanced scent games. Nose games improve the dog-handler bond, and   is   great   sport   for   older   dogs,   very   young dogs, reactive/aggressive dogs, obedience drop out dogs, and builds confidence in shy  or fearful dogs.

Trainers Roger Lautt and Fran Berry are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and are American Kennel Club Good Citizen Evaluators.

Email or call us to register today.

312.617.8000

roger@chicagodogpads.com
info@gofidogoodfido.com

If you want to see some of Chicago’s great architecture and look at some of Chicago’s prime river front as well as lake front real estate, you might want to consider a cruise with your dog aboard the Mercury Canine Cruise. A lively commentary is provided to help you appreciate the various buildings and sights of our great city.

I took this tour with my Emma last week and met some people who take this cruise every summer and a few people who take the tour more than once a year. Tickets are $23 for each adult and $7 for each dog, a bargain compared to the parking prices in the area. This cruise sets sail about 10 am on Sundays and returns about 11:30 am. Cruises run from July through September and all dog-loving first mates with trained and well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. I will be one of the people who will take this cruise more than once, already looking forward to next year. This is one of the very best and most enjoyable ways to enjoy and learn a bit about the real estate and architecture of Chicago. I was able to enjoy the sun, look at some of the most expensive and desirable real estate in Chicago all while spending some time with my dog. What a treat, for me as well as for Emma when the cruise staff came around with treats in hand.

Emma & Roger on the Canine Cruise

If you are a Chicago area resident or just visiting our wonderful city, I would encourage you to take this cruise and look at our real estate and our high rises from a different perspective and gain an appreciation for how this city grew into what it is today. Truly a enjoyable history lesson. Give this cruise as a gift to anyone with a well trained dog, I bet they will thank you. Can’ t wait to do it again. Canine Cruise Website

Only 3 weeks left, Sept. 5, Sept 12 or Sept 19, 2010 are the last 3 cruises of this year.

The clock is ticking for your dog and every second that he is not getting trained moves him farther from any lasting emotional tie with you. And this could spell disaster for your pup that could end up being just another shelter-dog statistic after he is tossed away like yesterday’s garbage.

New Dog Training

The time to start training is the moment you get him home. Regardless of whether your dog is 6 weeks or 6 years, training moments are as easy as waiting for ‘calm’ before you put his food bowl down, or offering him a treat or a soothing voice for not jumping on you.

Gone are the days when you had to wait for a pup to turn 6 months before you could begin training. Those harsh and out-dated methods have no place with modern dog-trainers who, through their education and skills, can show you how to gently teach your pup the basic behaviors way before he reaches adolescence, which by the way is about the time frustrated owners make that call to their local shelter!

Training provides mental exercise for your dog, an outlet for some of his energy and is an excellent way to enhance the bonding experience. Having a trained dog opens up all sorts of opportunities to explore the many dog-friendly places a city has to offer and that means increase human and hound time together. And isn’t that the reason you adopted your furry companion in the first place?

Let us help you and your dog before she/he becomes another shelter-dog statistic.  Here is a list our various levels of Positive Reinforcement classes.

• Fido Foundations
• Fido Level One
• Feisty Fido
• Preparation for Canine Good Citizen

If you have any questions about our classes or want more information about our “In Your Home Training” please email: roger@ChicagoDogPads.com or call 312-617-8000.

Classes start every 6 weeks so please visit our website for descriptions and times: www.gofidogoodfido.com