Keeping You Both Busy - De-Stressing Tip Four: How to Entertain Your Dog with Homemade Toys

Making your own dog toys can be an inexpensive and easy way to keep your dog entertained. Whether or not you consider yourself a crafty person, these toys are simple to make and can give your dog hours of enjoyment. For details on how to play with your pooch using everyday items, check out the instructions below.

Box Braid Tug Toy

You will need:

4, 4”x48” Fleece Fabric Strips (You can easily customize the toy by using different colored fleece or even strips of an old T-shirt!)
Scissors

Ruler

1. Use the ruler and scissors to cut your strips of fabric into 4”x48” pieces.

2. Tie the four pieces together in a knot at one end.

3. Lay the fabric down on the table, so the fabric falls in four different directions and looks like a lowercase letter t.

4. Fold the first vertical strand to the opposite side, creating a loop. Fold the opposing vertical strand to the opposite side, creating another loop.

5. With the other hand, weave a horizontal strand over the closest loop and under the next loop. Do the exact opposite with the last horizontal strand.

6. Pull the four strands tightly. (Pulling the top left hand side strand and the bottom right hand stand extremely tight simultaneously, and vice versa, will help you keep your box uniform.)

Continue steps 4 through 6 until you only have about a foot of fleece left, then knot the end of the toy. Now your tug toy is ready for use!

If you are not particularly crafty, there is another quick toy that you can make for your dog with everyday items that you probably have lying around your house. These toys are super easy and inexpensive to make and are a great way to occupy your puppy’s time.

Bottle Kibble Toy

You will need:

Old Bottle
Scissors or Exacto Knife

Small Kibble

1. Remove the cap of the bottle and throw it away.

2. Cut small holes in the bottle at different areas. (You can vary the size of the holes and the amount of holes in order to change the level of difficulty for your pooch. Smaller and more infrequent holes will make it harder for your dog to remove the kibble.)

3. Add treats to the toy, and give it to your pooch for them to enjoy.

Make sure that you supervise your dog when you give them their new kibble toy. It’s easy for a destructive chewer to get through a bottle quickly. In order to make the toy last longer, you can use sturdier bottles. Although water bottles will work fine, a thicker plastic will be harder for your pup to chew through.

For a quick, easy and inexpensive way to keep your pooch entertained at home, making homemade toys is a stress-free way to go. Looking for more ideas? Take a look around your house; the closet, the garage sale box, even the recycling bin! You’d be surprised how many potential homemade toys are already at your fingertips.

It's Our Four Year Anniversary. Come Celebrate with Us!

It's time for a celebration! Morris K9 Campus is excited to celebrate our four-year daycare anniversary this Friday, November 16. There will be a party in the lobby including a prize wheel, to pick up some Morris K9 Campus gear. There will also be light refreshments, so whether you're bringing your dog to daycare or not, stop in and say "hi.”

In four years, the daycare program has grown tremendously. It can be one of the most rewarding things for your pooch. From the socialization skills your dog will develop, to the benefit of knowing your dog will be happy all day, it is definitely worth it!

Since Morris K9 Campus opened, we've expanded and added different programs for your four-legged friend. From our bathing services, to the treadmill, to the recent addition of play and train. We are continuing to stay on top of new developments in the dog world in order to provide the best service to you and your dog.

Stop by this Friday and help us celebrate, as we commemorate four years of daycare!

Recognizing Recall



PLAY AND TRAIN AT MORRIS K9 CAMPUS!

Our Play and Train program is designed so that your dog can play the day away while learning new commands and training skills. The only requirement is that your dog has been approved for daycare! Two of our most popular Play and Train skills are loose leash walking and "come" (getting the dog to recall).

  


Cleo and Lauren attention and focus.

 

LOOSE LEASH



There are many important steps that lead to having a dog with good leash skills. First, you want your dog's attention and focus to be on you. In order to accomplish this there are games you can play with your dog, such as name game. All it entails is you getting your dog's attention with the food and saying his/her name as the food follows from your eye line to your dogs.



      

Cleo and Lauren loose leash walking.



    

Next, you want to teach your dog where to walk. You cannot get upset for having a dog that doesn't walk properly if you have never showed them the right way to do it. In order to do this, pick which side (left or right) you would like your dog to walk on. Always practice walking with your dog on that side.







  

"COME"

"Come" is the most important thing you can teach your dog. It is literally a life saver. When teaching "come" you want to make sure your dog is always successful. This means starting off easy. You always want to use an enthusiastic tone! Your dog is not going to want to come to you if you are using the same voice as when he/she gets in trouble. You have to be more exciting than whatever it is you are calling your dog away from.

 Jack has a great recall in group, this is an advanced skill! 

To inquire more about Play and Train, please call 973.252.5100 or visit our website.  If your dog does not prefer the company of other dogs we offer an alternative Train and Fitness program!

Find us on Facebook: Morris K9 Campus!



FLYING DISC CHAMPS OF THE NORTHEAST!

Alisa and her dog, Brandy.

It's not easy being the best. But that's exactly what Alisa Vargas and her pal and freestyle teammate Brandy, have been titled. After competing in the Northeast Skyhoundz Expert Freestyle Championship, Alisa and Brandy, her Border Collie, won the biggest regional event for flying disc in the northeast. Dazzling and amazing judges with their flying disc prowess and astounding teamwork, they took home first place and are considered the best freestyle team from Maine to Virginia!! That's quite a feat!

At Morris K9 Campus, you can truly learn from the best! Whether you want to compete or just have fun with your dog in the backyard, flying disc is an excellent sport that will strengthen the bond between you and your canine. Now is your chance to sign up for a seminar with our talented Flying Disc Instructor Alisa who is teaching two seminars this Sunday.

Intro to Flying Disc
Sunday, 7/1/12, 10AM - 12PM

Advanced Flying Disc: Toss, Fetch and Intro to Freestyle.
Sunday, 7/1/12, 1PM - 3PM
For more information and to sign up for a class with Alisa click here.


Check out the video below to see Alisa and Brandy in action! You will be blown away!

HOW DOGS CAN LEARN TO ADJUST THEIR PLAY STYLE

Dogs have different ways of playing and interacting with each other. Stereotypically, you could say that sporting breeds and retrievers have fun-loving, physical rowdy play styles or that the Terrier breed(s) vary in so many ways that you need to evaluate each breed for suitability in playing with other dogs. Though it can be easy to generalize a dog's play style by breed, what is most important is the dog's ability to adjust their play style to meet the needs of another dog. This can be key in determining how successful he or she might be in playing with other dogs.

For example, say we have a puppy named Fido. Fido is a rowdy, happy and confident five-month old Labrador Retriever puppy. Fido enjoys playing with other dogs by slamming into them at high speed, and wrestling (all normal puppy play behavior!) So how does daycare teach Fido to adjust his play style?

Let's say that in daycare today Fido decided to try to play with an adolescent dog named Spot. Spot is a one-year old mix breed dog who has been coming to daycare for six months and still very much loves to wrestle and body slam his friends. When Fido solicits play from Spot by play bowing, off they go! Both take turns wrestling and pinning each other on the floor playfully. Their play styles are very balanced, wiggly and well-matched. Fido has learned that Spot likes to play the same way as he does so Fido does not have to change his behavior to do so.

But Fido now decides he wants to play with another adult dog named Bowser. Bowser, a four-year old German Shepherd, has been coming to daycare for three years. Bowser loves the company of other dogs but would rather bounce around, run, or tug than have physical body contact with other dogs. Fido tries to get Bowser to play, by bowing, like he did with Spot, but it doesn’t work this time. Fido then decides to try barking in Bowser's face which not only doesn’t work because Bowser has turned in the opposite direction of Fido, but also involves the daycare attendant redirecting the puppy away from the adult dog so the barking stops. Fido has now learned that play bowing and barking doesn’t get this adult dog's attention. Fido's final try is to pick up a tug toy and show it to Bowser in a wiggly and excited manner. Bowser picks up the other end of the toy and off they go tugging and playing successfully for the next few minutes.

What’s the moral of the story?

Fido learned that in order to get what he wants, (play), he has to adjust his style based on the dog he plays with. Through consistent practice or by coming to daycare on a regular basis, Fido can take these experiences and apply them to any real world interactions with dogs he may encounter.

For good measure here is a video of what well-balanced play looks like. Both dogs have a physical, rough style of playing. They also both take turns being on the bottom and on top. And their bodies themselves, offer exaggerated movement with a loose and wiggly posture.

KIDS K9 ADVENTURE CAMP!

Are you still scrambling to find ways to occupy your child when school lets out this summer? How about entertaining both your youngster and your dog? Not only will your child and your canine get up and move together but they will learn important training skills! With our Kids K9 Adventure Camp, everyone in the family wins, even the furriest member!

This fun, interactive summer camp will teach your child and your pooch new tricks, canine games, manners and even agility. Instead of coming home with yet another tie-dye T-Shirt and necklace made of macaroni, your kid will come home with basic training knowledge and a better-behaved Fido. Teaching your child new ways of interacting with your dog will strengthen their bond and might even encourage them to take your pup for more walks so you don't have to!

Your child will also learn the fundamentals of agility which is a wonderful and rewarding canine recreational activity that can increase their brain-power and problem solving skills!

Camp runs Monday through Thursday. There are four weeks to choose from: 

• July 9 -  July 12
• July 16 -  July 19
• July 23 - July 26
• July 30 - August 2

Mondays: 10:00 - 11:30AM

Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 - 11:00AM

(Camp ends early enough each day so you can still enjoy a day at the pool or the beach!)

Why only send your child to camp, when you can send your child and your dog?!

Call us for more information at 973-252-5100!

READING K9 BODY LANGUAGE

Pet owners play an important role in dog interactions and should consider themselves safety monitors and gate-keepers of the peace. Whether you have more than one dog in your household, you frequent dog parks or pass other canines on walks with your dog, the ability to understand and read canine body language is an essential skill to have for any dog owner.

Meet and Greet

When dogs play together, one of the most pivotal moments is the greeting. This will determine whether or not the two dogs will get along successfully. Can your dog tell who wants to be their friend and who doesn't? Can you? Daycare and group play is so important for your dog’s development because it provides multiple playmates with different experiences and communication skills.  A dog who plays regularly with other dogs can tell from the greeting ritual if the dog they're meeting is a friend or foe.   

What is an appropriate greeting? An appropriate greeting is rotating from sniffing the face, to sniffing the rear, sometimes doing this continually, and in circles for 10 to even 30 seconds.  An inappropriate greeting would be for another dog to come straight on, staring your dog directly in the face with no intent to sniff. Also inappropriate would be if another dog put their head or paw over your dog's shoulder without having said hello first.  The worst scenario is when a dog doesn't want to be sniffed! When this happens, your dog has two options: to understand that they have enough self confidence not to feel threatened in the "inappropriate" scenario and to not reciprocate equally negative behavior. Your dog may feel the need to communicate back to this "rude" dog.  This is when the human may need to step in. 

What You Should Know 

For the safety of the dogs, it is vital to recognize what both dogs are "saying to each other." Common stress signals to watch for are:
-Licking their lips with their tongue over and over again
-The hair on their back is raised. This can either mean, “I'm really excited" or "I'm a little nervous." 
-Ears pinned back
-Tucked tail
-Stiff body 

What You Can Do

Does your dog tend to approach other dogs the wrong way? It is absolutely possible to work on that and teach your furry companion proper greeting behavior.
1. Reward your dog for good behavior.  A simple comment like good boy/girl with some cuddly scratches can make a difference as well as a little treat.  Dogs understand they get a yummy treat when they do the right thing, so they will continue to do it.
2.  Redirect if the first meeting isn't going well. Is one dog more comfortable than the other?  Call the dog that's more confident away so the nervous dog can have a minute to get their bearings and then you can try the meeting again.

The video below demonstrates an appropriate greeting between Livvy (brown) and Hannah (brindle).While we don't reccommend having strange dogs meet on-leash, it is important to give you the right knowledge since this event is unavoidable. 

What was done right?
-Loose leashes by the two handlers (if the leash is tight this can sometimes cause an unwanted or unnatural repsonse from a dog because they are restrained)
-Relaxed and wiggly body language from both and alot of appropriate sniffing.
-Livvy, the older dog decided to end the greeting ritual first by going around mom's back, Hannah, who is still very young, read this "cut-off" signal perfectly and decided that she was done sniffing too. Hannah comes to daycare twice a week and practices these greeting skills on a regular basis. Livvy is owned by our daycare manager and assists with evaluating new dogs to join our daycare crew.


Well managed groups or play overseen by a person that understands canine body language and interactions can help a dog improve their communication skills and gain confidence. All of the daycare staff at Morris K9 Campus are trained in this skill  in order to ensure the safety of every pet and their success in the world of canine communication.

PUPPY PLAYTIME!

Playing is a pivotal part of the developmental process of a child. The same goes for dogs. If your puppy spends most of his or her early weeks confined to the inside of a crate, there is little to no development. The best way to raise a puppy is with plenty of socialization. Socialization is introducing your puppy to anything they will encounter in their adult life in a positive way. This should include different environments, sounds, textures, other dogs and most importantly people. Read on for tips to help with the socialization process of your puppy.

ACQUAINT

Once your puppy has their age-appropriate vaccinations, it is crucial to introduce your furbaby to other puppies, dogs and even cats. The more you familiarize your pooch with other furry creatures, different breeds and sizes of dogs, the more natural and less threatening they will become for your pup. As your puppy grows into an adult dog, they will be well prepared for the vast array of animals they may encounter in life, making them less likely to become frightened or aggressive. It is important to also introduce your puppy to different people, familiarizing them with the sights and smells and with the varying pressure of their touch. Puppies should be introduced to at least 100 people (of all shapes and sizes) by the time they are 16-18 weeks old. After that age, the socialization window closes and it becomes increasingly difficult to introduce your puppy to new things.

STIMULI

Just as critical to acquainting your dog with other creatures is the necessity of introducing your pup to various stimuli. This can include things as miscellaneous as an umbrella, balloons or a chair. Those these objects may seem benign and non-threatening to us, from your puppy's lower vantage point and limited knowledge, they can appear very frightening. By introducing these objects early on and in a positive way, your puppy learns not to be afraid of these things and will grow up with less fear and anxiety about the world around them.

FREE PUPPY PLAYTIME!

To help with the socialization process, Morris K9 Campus is offering Puppy Playtime sessions for puppies ages 8-16 weeks old with age appropriate vaccinations. Our socialization sessions will include letting the dogs play off-leash to help puppies learn the appropriate way to play, proper bite inhibition and develop good puppy skills. Special emphasis will be on meeting strangers and introducting them into new environments. Our FREE Puppy Playtimes are an hour long and will be scheduled for the following Saturdays:
3/31/2012, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
4/7/2012, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
4/14/2012, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Click here to sign-up.

GET IN THE AGILITY GROOVE WITH YOUR DOG

At Morris K9 Campus, we are gearing up for an excellent season of agility. We hope you are as pumped as we are! We took the time to highlight some of our new professional agility instructors so you can get to know them a little better. Their years of experience and expertise will provide our students with a wealth of knowledge. Each instructor will be teaching a number of agility classes in various performance levels

Nicole Fischer has been competing in agility for 10 years. Her second standard poodle, Ruse, at just three years old is close to both his MACH and his ADCH. Nicole and Ruse qualified to compete in all classes at the 2011 USDAA National Championships and are qualified for the 2012 AKC National Championships. Ruse earned his CD and CDX obedience titles at age two in a minimal number of trials and with a placement for each leg, including 1st place, four times. Nicole has also been a professional agility photographer for six years. She will be teaching the following TUESDAY classes:
BEGINNER FOUNDATION AGILITY
2/7/12 - 3/27/12
10:00AM - 11:00AM Click here to enroll.

Skills and Drills - Level 3
2/7/2012 - 3/27/2012
11:00AM - 12:00PM Click here to enroll.

Course Strategy - Level 4
2/7/2012 - 3/27/2012
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM  Click here to enroll.

Diane Lange has been in involved in dog performance sports for over twenty years. Her first American Eskimo and Novice A dog, Delilah, became the first Utility Dog Excellent in the breed. She was a consistent placement contender at Regional Obedience Championships and earned a variety of Agility titles in AKC and NADAC. Her next Eskie, Breyer, started in the Conformation Ring, then progressed into Obedience, earning a Utility Title. Her third Eskie, Chase, was found on the streets of lower Manhattan. Despite being untrained, blind in one eye and bundled with "rescue" issues Chase cheerfully earned Agility titles in AKC, NADAC and USDAA. Her current dog, Morgan, a Norwegian Buhund, is working on a variety of Master titles in both AKC and USDAA Agility.

Jim Epperly has been an agility instructor and professional dog trainer for seven years. In 2006, he began competing with his seven-year-old Yellow Lab, Boo Boo. In 2010 he began competing with his Jack Russell, Willy, and agility became his favorite activity. Jim currently competes in AKC Agility with his Jack Russell and will soon start competing with his adopted one-year-old Great Pyrenese, Dallas. In 2009, Epperly was voted favorite Agility Instructor for the Tri-State area in Tails Magazine. His goal as an Agility Instructor is to use positive reinforcement and fun techniques to keep both dogs and students happy and having fun. Jim will be teaching the following THURSDAY classes:
BEGINNER FOUNDATION AGILITY
2/16/12 - 3/22/12 (Only 6 weeks)
9:00AM - 10:00AM  Click here to enroll.

Improving Contact Behaviors - Level 3
2/16/2012 - 3/22/2012 
10:00AM - 11:00AM Click here to enroll.

Skills and Drills - Level 3
2/16/2012 - 3/22/2012
11:00AM - 12:00PM  Click here to enroll.

Mary-Anne Gross brings a sharp eye, years of experience, creativity, and a sense of fun to her classes. She enjoys the challenge of solving a variety of problems and helping dog/handler teams realize their potential. An avid student of animal behavior and operant ("clicker") training, she takes a special interest in bringing out the best in shy or fearful dogs. Her own dogs have earned over 130 titles in AKC, CPE, NADAC, USDAA and ASCA agility venues, and her Shelties Bryce and Jayda were among the first 10 dogs from NJ to earn a CPE C-ATCH. Today, Mary-Anne competes primarily in AKC, CPE and NADAC at the Masters/L5-C/Elite levels. Mary-Anne will be teaching the following FRIDAY classes:
BEGINNER FOUNDATION AGILITY
2/3/12 - 3/23/12
1:00PM - 2:00PM Click here to enroll.

Level 3 - Novice Prep
2/3/2012 - 3/23/2012
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM  Click here to enroll.

Agility Games - Level 4
2/3/2012 - 3/23/2012
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Click here to enroll.

Agility Fear/Motivation - Level 3
2/3/2012 - 3/23/2012
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM   Click here to enroll.

For a complete schedule of all our agility class offerings, click here.

IT'S TIME FUR OUR FALL FESTIVAL!

If your Sunday plans consist of raking the leaves and cleaning the bathrooms, put down that rake and drop the Clorox pronto! We have a better idea for you! Come to our fall festival: Tips, Tricks and Tails this Sunday, October 23 from 12PM - 4PM.


Morris K9 Campus is pulling out the pumpkins and the cider and celebrating fall in style! Both indoors and outdoors, the event will happen rain or shine. Enjoy fun activities like interactive agility; flying disc demonstrations; an "Ask the Trainer" Q and A session; doggie dancing demos and Canine Good Citizen testing.

Fido is more than welcome! Small dog and large dog play groups will be set up in our daycare room so you can watch how your dog plays and interacts with other furry friends. If you want your dog to benefit from more exercise, try our canine treadmill for a quick and easy fitness session. If your dog enjoys prancing around in outfits, make sure to dress Fido up in costume so he or she can participate in our Wags to Witches K9 Costume Parade scheduled for 2:30PM. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes in various categories like best combined pet and owner costume so bring your own Hallowen outfit as well! However, all costume parade participants will be awarded a colorful bandana for their dog!

Fun features like face painting, a photo station, the Morris Animal Inn Boutique, and food, including hot dogs and Rita's Italian Ice with Mango, Cherry and Pumpkin flavors, will round out the day! Local animal shelters, Noah's Ark, Eleventh Hour Rescue and The Randolph Animal Pound will be present with adoptable cats and dogs. Though the event is FREE, we encourage guests to bring a can of unopened dog or cat food as a donation for the shelters.


If you haven't already received a key from us to bring on the day of the event, come to Morris K9 Campus and pick one up. If your key unlocks the "Haunted Treasure Chest," you can win one of three prizes:
-Grand Prize: Pampering You and Your Pet Package
This includes a $100 mall gift certificate for a shopping spree, $100 gift certificate for any daycare or agility service and a Morris K9 Campus gift basket valued at $50.
-Second Prize: Two Month Levels Pet Training Membership valued at $199.
-Third Prize: Amazon Kindle valued at $139.

Our first 50 guests will receive a Morris K9 Campus Goody Bag, so arrive early!! If you've never checked us out before, now is the time. We can't wait to spend the fall afternoon with you!

INDOOR GAMES FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS

Photo Courtesy of Soggydan

There are many joys to summer; the warm weather, more hours of sunlight, watermelon, lemonade, and days spent on sandy beaches. But unfortunately, there are also some drawbacks to these summer months as well. The humidity is so sticky you suddenly start sporting a new, not so nice hairstyle that consists of frizz and then some. Only being outside for 10 minutes can result in peeling sunburn and the heat can become so hot and oppressive you have trouble moving faster than a slug’s pace. All of a sudden, that house you wanted so desperately to escape in the winter months has become a cool refuge. Your dog agrees, but has started rummaging through the bathroom garbage as a source of entertainment. You however, may not find this quite as entertaining. Don’t worry, the following indoor games will amuse both you and your pooch while keeping you both comfortable and cool.

Hide and Seek

Have your dog locate his or her favorite toy by letting your fuzzbucket first sniff the toy and then hide it in another room. When your dog finds the toy reward him or her with a treat or praise and kisses. If your dog does not have a special toy and is more treat motivated, command your dog to sit and stay. Hide small bits of food around the room and have your dog use his or her nose and memory to find all of the delicious surprises. Reward with praise.

Magical Cups
Entertain your pup with your own magic show. On a carpeted floor for extra traction, line up three plastic cups and hide a treat under one of the cups. Have your pooch utilize their amazing olfactory senses to determine which of the three cups the tasty treat is hiding under. If your dog has a tendency to knock over the cups in a greedy haste to get at the goods, use something sturdier like mugs or small bowls.

Retrieve and Receive
It seems that every canine commercial or movie shows a dog triumphantly trotting with the morning newspaper clutched in his mouth to bring to the family as they enjoy breakfast, while birds chirp melodically outside in the background to herald the new day. Though we rarely see this in real life, it is absolutely possible to get your dog to retrieve things for you and will make your life a little easier. While allowing your dog to go out the front door without your supervision is risky and not recommended, you can always have your dog take the paper out to recycling or empty cardboard paper towel rods which are easy to grip in their doggie mouths as long as your recycling is indoors. Use praise, treats, and repetition.

Doggy Dancing

Throw on some tunes and get moving! Teach your dog some basic doggy dancing tricks at Morris K9 Campus’s Doggy Dancing Workshop on Sunday 7/10 from 11AM-1PM and practice them at home for some fun bonding time that is great for your dog’s mental stimulation and will impress all your friends.

If you are still looking for engrossing ways to keep your dog occupied in the steamy months ahead, don’t hesitate to stop by Morris K9 Campus where our line-up of interesting classes, fun weeks of daycare, and agility work will both physically and mentally engage your canine.

DOGGIE DANCING

Last week we taught you how to connect with your dog in the upcoming summer months by playing fetch with your spunky pal in the warm outdoors. This week, we present another fun-loving alternative that is sure to have you and your pup moving in sync together. Cue up the conga line and step into rhythm, its time for Doggy Dancing! If you and your dog want more ways to have fun together, Morris K9 Campus has got you covered!

What is Doggy Dancing?!

Don’t worry, we haven’t gone crazy, doggy dancing, or musical canine freestyle, is the newest and coolest activity to sweep the dog-nation. Doggy dancing is a modern dog sport that is competed in many parts of the world. However, it is the perfect activity for those who just want to have fun with their dog. Doggy Dancing is influenced by musical kur, a form of the equine sport, dressage, which puts a horse’s tightly controlled movements to music.

Photo Courtesy of FlyNutAA

How Does Our Doggy Dancing Class Work?

Morris K9 Campus will get you started with the very basics. We combine off-leash obedience training with enjoyment and motivation. You will learn to do heeling formations, group formations, pace changes and turns as well as a slew of tricks such as circles, flipping to heel, sit between legs, weave through legs, and jump through arms, legs or hula hoop. Eventually, your imagination will be the only limit to the tricks, turns, and freestyle moves you and your dog will perform in harmony.



Who Should Try Doggy Dancing?

This class is recommended for any dogs that have taken basic obedience or agility classes at Morris K9 Campus or the equivalent at another school, or for owners that want an opportunity to enliven their dog’s life with more interactive activity.

When is Doggy Dancing?

Doggy Dancing will be offered Sunday, July 10 at Morris K9 Campus from 11AM-1PM. Click here to enroll today!

Here's a preview of some steps you and your dog will learn in our Doggy Dancing Workshop.

Does your dog want to dance?!

GO FETCH!

With an abundance of warm days ahead of us, you probably want to be outside as much as possible enjoying the summer season with your fur-baby in tow! Besides the daily walk and nature hikes, you may be wondering how else you and Fido can make the most of the long days of summer together. This is the perfect time to teach your dog the fun laid-back game of fetch! While some dogs, like herding and sporting dogs, find a session of fetch as natural as breathing, others find the concept as bamboozling as rocket science. Don’t fret; if you want to enjoy the simple pleasure of a game of fetch with your four-legged pal, here are some tips to get you started.

First of all, it's crucial to start slowly. If your dog does not seem to have any interest in tennis balls or rubber bouncy balls, try working with your pooch’s favorite toy and if possible stick to one that is a bit more aerodynamic. If you have your heart set on using a tennis ball, try these tips to entice your pup. Take a knife and slice a small slit on one side of the tennis ball. Stick little treats or bits of kibble inside or even try smearing some peanut butter on the side. It may be messy but your dog won’t mind!

Step 1:

Get your dog interested in the ball itself. Even if your dog only sniffs the ball, reward him or her with praise or a favorite treat. Keep working to get your dog interested in the ball and even better, to pick up the ball! Once your dog understands the importance of the ball and that sniffing or picking up the ball results in treats or praise, you can move onto Step 2!

Step 2:
Work on getting your dog to reliably pick up the ball. Motivate him or her by moving the ball around with your hand so your dog must follow your darting movements. Now have your pooch drop it! Offer a treat to get Fido to drop the ball and when he or she does, praise and give your dog the treat. If your dog won’t give up the ball you can always try tempting your dog with another toy.

Step 3:
Throw the ball! Gently toss it a few feet away and say “Fetch!” If your dog doesn’t go after the ball try re-working on Step 2. You can also try leashing your dog, then throw the ball, yell “Fetch,” and unleash your dog. The sudden release of tension can inspire your dog to bound ahead. After your dog grabs the ball, call him or her back to you with the lure of a treat.

It is not unusual for this process to take several weeks, so don’t get frustrated. Eventually, you won't have to use treats to get your canine to play, the game will be a reward itself. Take your time and before you know it, you and your dog will be pros at the game of fetch!

How to Adjust Your Puppy to Alone Time

Is there anything more irresistible in life than a warm, fuzzy, sweet puppy? Squirmy, playful, and innocent as a newborn there’s no better way to pass the time than to watch a puppy play, jump, sleep, breathe…just about anything! We understand the difficulty of actually getting up off the floor and leaving your puppy’s side to brush your teeth let alone leave the house. That said, we also understand alone time is a pivotal step in a puppy’s maturation process and crucial to healthy development. In order to prevent separation anxiety down the line for both you and your pet, we have outlined some baby steps and tips to help you confront the issue with minimal effort.

But Wait! Before you begin, make sure that your baby dog has had a recent potty break and some food in the ole’ belly so that if puppy starts whining, you know it’s not for those reasons.

Puppy Play

Engaging your precious little pal in games and activities that work both their expanding minds and muscles is just as essential to their overall well-being as food and bathroom breaks. If you don’t want your pooch to be upset, you need to provide them with an outlet. Romp in the yard, play fetch, try training techniques like Morris K9 Campus’s puppy on-off leash class; all activities that get your puppy’s body moving and their brain thinking. If you provide this activity before leaving, they will be exhausted and less likely to be upset. If you engage your puppy after you’ve been away it proves you will return and a reward is on the way. It’s a win-win!

Photo courtesy of Barely Fitz

The Crate is Your Best Friend!

Andrea Arden, animal behavior counselor and pet expert suggests taking advantage of your growing pup’s need for ample rest time by adjusting your dog to sleeping in a crate. In the beginning, keep the crate close to you or other family members. Gradually move the crate further and further away over the course of a few weeks. Need to get some chores done around the house? Want to try that new workout DVD? Place puppy in the crate and tackle your to-do list with vigor! Your puppy will probably whine which is normal in the beginning. Simply listen to music or turn up the volume on your workout DVD. Don’t forget, you also deserve your own attention as well! After 30 minutes to an hour, let your pooch out. This demonstrates to your dog that after a certain extent of time, you will return, which will ease their little minds.

Note: Baby gates placed in designated areas can often be just as useful.

Toyland

Photo courtesy of Bowi the Boxer

When life calls and you must leave, toys can take your place amazingly well! Just make sure they are safe toys that won’t cause a choking hazard (for more information read our blog article The Hunt for the Best Dog Toy). Kongs® filled with treats can be appetizing and engaging and chew toys can aid in the teething process.

We understand that raising a puppy is both a joyously wonderful experience as well as a little overwhelming. If you follow these tips both you and your puppy will be better for it. If you need more assistance raising your puppy, Morris K9 Campus is standing by and eagerly waiting to lend a paw.

Sources: http://dogtime.com/5-tips-teach-pup-to-be-alone-andrea-arden.html

The Hunt for the Best Dog Toy

A long time ago, in far simpler times, the question of which toy(s) to purchase your dog never plagued the human population. There was either a bone or a stick from the backyard. But experience and common sense has shown that sticks and bones aren’t the safest playthings for your pup. More popular today are rawhides and chewing sticks, but even these pose some risks to your dog’s health. Because of this, efforts have been made to produce better, safer toys that produce a variety of squeaks, moos, and even songs. The sky’s the limit! And while having an array of options is great, it can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to decide where to put your money in the canine toy arena, we can help! The following is our “Pick of the Litter” of dog toys, and methods of deciding which is best for your particular pooch.

Chew Style

What type of chewer is your dog? Does your pal rip all toys to shreds, or gently nibble? If your dog tends to settle down with a toy and really go at it, it’s best to purchase playthings that are made of durable rubber like Kongs made by the Kong Company®. Kongs have been known to withstand the roughest chewers. When the rubber begins to crack and tear, its time to throw it out and buy another.

If your dog has a softer approach to playing, or loves toys that squeak and squeal, consider sewn plush toys. Canvas toys are a terrific option for rough chewers that are fans of the squeak. Semi-aggressive chompers can also enjoy rope toys which break apart less easily and are wonderful for your pet’s dental health.

Planet Dog has even devised a system to aid consumers in the purchase of dog toys called the Chew-o-Meter. Their system takes into account the chewing style of your pup compared to the durability of their products to help you make the best purchase possible. Furthermore, 2% of your purchase is used to fund the training of service dogs. 

Know Your Material

It is important to be aware of the materials used to make your dog’s toy because they spend a lot of time in your canine’s mouth where harmful substances can be easily absorbed. Be careful; the Consumer Product Safety Commission only deems pet toys harmful if they put the owner at risk! As mentioned previously, Kongs® and Nylabones® are safe products that are made without harmful toxins but if you are unsure, check the label.

Safety First

Instead of smaller toys that may be a choking risk, stick to Frisbees and large balls that can’t reach the back of your dog’s mouth. A reader of The Bark recommends lacrosse balls which are large and come in a variety of fun colors. In addition, regularly check all toys for cracks or holes so that your dog’s mouth stays in tip-top shape.

Forward Thinking Pet Companies

Companies like Kong®, Tough by Nature, and Planet Dog are innovative toy producers that keep the safety of your pet in mind. They constantly take our pets’ needs and health concerns to heart and consistently provide new modes of fun and recreation.

The dog toy frontier is also pioneered by designers who wish to actively and mentally engage dogs with puzzle-like toys that require your pet to move pieces in order to reveal hidden treats. Nina Ottosson has a line a of dog toys that seek to work the canine brain by encouraging them to discover concealed treats using their nose and paws. Some of Ottosson’s products are made from particle board and should not be eaten or chewed, so it is important to watch your dog while playing with them. Another great option is the Buster Cube, which comes in different size cubes that must be rolled around in order to dispense the treats inside. Resembling a gumball machine, the Yuppy Puppy Food and Treat Machine has a large bone handle that when pressed down by your pup’s paw, dispenses treats! However, if you have any hesitations about whether your dog will chew off pieces of these brain teasers toys, opt to only use them when you can monitor your dog.

To keep the good times rolling for you and your best friend, consider your dog’s safety and well-being when selecting from the large range of toy options on the pet market today. Ready, set, play!

Sources: Sheila Pell The Bark.com
The Happy Dog Spot

A Good Dose of Dog Loving

As a dog owner and subscriber to this blog, you probably know the benefits of social events for your dog. Socialization, mental stimulation and play, to name a few. But what you might not realize is how some of these events, which Morris K9 Campus holds on a regular basis, can improve your own life.

We hosted our first "Must Love Dogs Singles Mixer" last Thursday evening, just in time for Valentine's Day. About 40 singles and their dogs attended this fun and festive event, which included speed dating and refreshments (for both humans and canines), drawings, and "eligible" dogs from Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Center. Here's what attendees had to say about it:




The next time you check out our upcoming events, take a moment to ask yourself what, or who you might be missing.

Hey, That's My Shoe!

While your dog may never steal your money (unless there’s some peanut butter on it), other household objects that are lying around like your brand new heels are attractive chew toys for your canine companion. If possible, avoid leaving these valuable objects lying around for the taking. If it cannot be avoided, realize that the motivations behind your dog’s behavior are far simpler than you would think. 

Entertain and Engage

If your dog spends a lot of time home alone watching the minute hand tick she may resort to undesired behaviors. We may not understand the appeal of rifling through old smelly garbage, but to your lonely dog, it’s a gold mine of activity. However, if you make an effort to exercise your dog by taking her on walks or playing fetch in the backyard, you are expending some of the energy that would be used to steal your belongings. After physically entertaining your fuzzy friend, you should engage her mentally. Play with her and her favorite squeaky toy. When you sit down to watch a movie, hand her a food dispensing toy that will keep her occupied for a while.

The Cold Shoulder

If you’ve already physically and mentally stimulated your dog and she still goes after household items that are better left alone, there are a few techniques you can try in order to nip that behavior in the bud. Resist the urge to run after her screaming when she steals your fabulous new throw pillows. This can be extremely hard, but if you do, she will think you are playing a game or that whatever she has is in her mouth is very valuable, (it might be) and is worth holding onto. Instead, walk the other way or turn around and ignore her. Part of her motivation is to capture your attention, so don’t reward her with it.

Create a Diversion

While your canine companion is going to town on your treasured belongings, yell in a happy excited tone a catchphrase she loves to hear such as “Let’s go for a walk!” or “Go check your bowl!” Of course after she stops chewing, you actually have to follow through with a walk or food. If you don’t, she will eventually become hip to your lingo and learn not to trust you. You can also try squeaking or throwing her favorite toy to create a distraction and get her involved in some playtime.And there's always daycare at Morris K9 Campus, where she'll have free roam and lots of playmates.

Tricky Treats

If all else fails and your new shoes are one step away from being destroyed, give your dog a treat or distract her with food. Just remember that this behavior may reinforce the behavior, so be diligent in your efforts!

Sources:

http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com/puppy-or-dog-steals-things.aspx

Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CDBC, is WDJ's Training Editor. “Five Things to Do the Next Time Your Dog Grabs Your Stuff and Runs.”

Six Resolutions for Dog Owners

There's no doubting the talk of the town at the beginning of every new year is health and fitness. After ignoring our stress levels and indulging ourselves over the holidays, we suddenly realize that something must be done! But what about your dog? Doesn't he or she deserve to be healthy, too?

The staff at Morris K9 Campus know how important the well-being of our clients' dogs is, so we decided to share some tips for getting your dog back into shape and feeling their best in 2011.

1. Explore Your Options. This is the time to lock in good pet care resources before you actually need them. Take the time now to visit highly-recommended facilities like Morris K9 Campus and Morris Animal Inn to find the perfect fit for your dog.

2. Make Time for Exercise. Walking your pup at least three times a day will burn off extra calories, release pent-up energy and keep your dog healthy. He or she will love it, and it’s good for your health, too. You might also consider taking a refresher training, agility or Canine Good Citizen class. And of course, there is always time for a good game of fetch.

3. Spend Quality Time Together. You can engage your dog in mental exercise with activities like puzzle toys and games of hide-and-seek. Vow to teach your dog of any age a new trick on a regular basis. Agility and pet training is also time well spent with your dog.

4. Visit the Vet. Dogs should visit the vet at least once a year, so schedule your dog’s 2011 appointment now to make sure he or she is fit as a fiddle! While there, be sure to inquire about your pup’s vaccinations, and maintain a regular schedule of heartworm, flea and tick preventives throughout the year.

5. Provide Nutritious Foods. You can ask your veterinarian to recommend the best foods and treats for your dog’s age, size breed and any health conditions. Nutritional treats can be good motivators!

6. Get Your Groom On. Take time in 2011 to maintain a good grooming schedule for your dog. Regularly scheduled brushing, bathing, nail clipping and teeth brushing wards off health problems, provides comfort and keeps dogs looking good!

We can't wait to make 2011 the best year ever at 
Morris K9 Campus...see you soon!