Zoomdog Gourmet

If you are interested in following the Zoomdog Gourment, Lisa is in the process of creating a blog. You can following the information on the  Zoomdog Gourmet blog. It will contain items made by Zoomdog bakers :-0 gourmet ingredients, and specials that will be running.

Be sure to stay tuned.

Critter Therapy

There are no words, just sit back and enjoy!

And last, but not least (I couldn't resist)

Animal Safety During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and our fury family members are (and want to be) a part of the festivities. Here's some holiday safety tips from the ASPCA

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/holiday-safety-tips.aspx

Positive Training

Here a fun website from Animal Discovery on Positive Pet Training:  http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/its-me-or-the-dog/training-tips/positive-dog-training.htm

Target Training

The goal of target training is to teach the dog to find a target (your hand, a specific object, etc) touch it whenever she is told to do so. Target training is pretty easy, and helps your pup focus on you and problem solve. To begin, choose a cue word such as “touch” or “target.”  Tap or wave your target, and reward the dog when she touches it with her nose or paw.  Repeat this until your pup can reliably touch the target on command.  Continue and put the target a little further away each time, until the dog can touch it while it's on the ground.  Make this exercise a game and watch how fast your dog picks this up!  How is this helpful in agility?  Put the target on the contact spot and give the touch cue.  With a little work, your pup will never miss a contact again. 

Business Items

Don't forget we will be baking this Thursday (11/29/12) evening at 5:30. Please let Lisa Peterson know if you are able to help (lisa.peterson@zoomdogagility.org). We will be baking at Bridgerland Applied Technology College.

Please, if you haven't done so already, get your Christmas Zoomdog Gourmet orders to Lisa before Wednesday evening.

Winter Fun

As we are heading into rain/snow season, there is a great site to help keep you dogs.

Rainy Day Fun For Your Dog

Zoomdog Gourmet

Quick announcement/reminder. We will be selling Gourmet for the Christmasholiday and need help with both Baking and Bagging these delicious items. Withthat being said, I need to get a tally of what people would be interested inbuying for the holidays (remember your neighbors, family and friends that havepets) and also if you would/could be available to help bake (Nov 29th @ 5:30 pm) and/or bag (Dec 5th @ 5:30 pm) at the BATC Main campus kitchen.

Here is a list of our gourmet:

o  Pupcakes

o  Peanut Butter Buttons

o  Carob and Peanut Butter Rings

o  Carob and Peanut Butter Bones (like the rings but bone shaped)

o   Cheesy Chicken Chews

o  Dog's Revenge - Barbequed Men

o  Pooch Pretzels

o  Spoiled Dog: Double Carob Brownie

o  Blonde/Brunet Pinwheels (Carob and Banana /Carob and Peanut Butter) 

Please e-mail meback with what gourmet item(s) you would like, so we can make sure we make enough :o)  Lisa Peterson:lisa.peterson@zoomdogagility.org

Also if you arewondering what is in our Gourmet for allergy info or curious what our usual repertoireis check out our gourmet blog: zoomdoggourmet.blogspot.com – it is still beingworked on so please be patient J

No Classes This Week

Wishing you a very happy and healthy turkey day!  

Remember, there will be no class on Tuesday night the 20th.  We will resume on the following Tuesday November 27th.  Also, a reminder to come help bake our zoomdog gourmet treats on Nov 29th @ 5:30 pm and/or bag treats on Dec 5th @ 5:30 pm at the BATC Main campus kitchen. Get your holiday doggy treat orders in to Lisa now (lisa.peterson@zoomdogagility.org )!  Thanks for all your help and happy eating!

Five Most Common Dog Physical Problems

Have you ever wondered what the most common ailments are for our furry friends? This is a good website that addresses this issue.

New Mom

After a mother chimpanzee in a zoo died, one of the zoo's employees took the baby chimp home to care for it. It never crossed his mind that his dog,  who had recently given birth would adopt the chimp and raise it with her  pups. Judging by the look on her face at times, she is not quite sure why  this particular offspring has hands to grab her.  How's that for unconditional love? Something to think about. 

Club Meeting Agenda

Club Meeting Agenda/Order of Business

Thursday, November 8, 2012 6:00 p.m.

Bridgerland ATC, Room 840

(Officers: Lee Tansock/President, Lisa Peterson/Vice President, Robert Curry/ Treasurer, Michelle Jamison/Secretary, Maria Hansen/Training Director)

Roll Call................................................................................ Officers, Club Members/Michelle

Introduction of New Members and Guests....................................................................... Lee

Reports of Officers and Committees.................................................. Lee/Lisa/Robert/Maria

Business..................................................................................................................... Lee/Maria

Next Meeting Date.............................................................................................................. Lee

Adjournment

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

Meeting on Tursday

We will be holding our very first general club meeting on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Bridgerland Applied Technology College. Meeting will be at 6 p.m. where we will be discussing upcoming classes (we want your input), equipment needs, mini trials (dates and cost, again, we want your input). We will also do a small mini workshop (people only please) at no charge right after the meeting. Please e-mail Lee or Maria if you have any questions. See you on Thursday, November 8,

Halloween

Since we just experienced Halloween, I thought I would share what I think is the best youtube Halloween pet costume video ever :-)

2012 Winter Courses

Hello Zoomdog crew! 

We are happy to announce the winter courses for 2012. Classes will fill up quick so let us know if you would like to participate as soon as possible. Classes are as follows:

Focus and Attention: (Tuesdays at 6pm) this course teaches you and your dog how to bond together as a successful team by working on your skills as a handler and improving your dog’s ability to maintain focus on you.

Advanced Handling: (Tuesdays and 7pm) this course focuses on cuing as a way to communicate with your dog to strengthen on-course performance. Floor work is a prerequisite for this class.

Courses begin on Tuesday November 6th, are 4 weeks long (no class November 20th for Thanksgiving break) and will take place inside the Cache County Fairgrounds 4-H building. Classes are $45 and $35 for club members.

We will be doing a make-up class if anyone has missed previous class sessions on Tuesday November 6th at 5pm in the 4-H building. Interested handlers MUST let me know if you will be attending so I can plan the set-up in advance.

Don’t forget our Zoomdog meeting on Thursday, November 8 at 6 p.m. at Bridgerland Applied Technology College, Room 840. This is a "humans" only club meeting with a workshop (this workshop is free for club members and $5.00 for non-club members). During the meeting we will be discussing equipment needs, training facility, and upcoming classes for 2013. This is a great time to provide input, meet other club and class members, and learn.

Lastly, we are trying to raise funds for a new teeter! So far we have $50, only $250 to go! Thank you to everybody and their dogs for your continued support!

Wags,
Maria Hansen Training Director,
Zoomdog Agility and Sports

Tricks for Halloween

Are you looking for some additional training ideas or tricks? This was a fun video:

Message from Kellie and Koda

I am a finalist in the Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest which, if I get enough votes, could bring a $500,000 renovation to the Valley View Dog Park behind the Cache Humane Society!

Here is a link to the contest page where you vote:

http://

www.beneful.com/Dream-Dog-Park/Finalists-2012/Kellie-and-Koda

And, here is a link to my facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/357946344294118/

You can vote once a day, now through November 7th. Please encourage everyone to vote early and often to give us the best chance at this incredible opportunity!

Thank You so much for your support!

Kellie and Koda

Marker Training

Here is a good refresher on training your dog with markers. It is a fundamental we use in agility and has probably become second nature by this point. In any case, this is a good refresher for all for us! Listen to training your dog with markers on http://leerburg.com/dogtrainingpodcasts.htm.

This blogpost was contributed by Maria.

Can You Relate?

AKC Agility Trial Pictures

HMKC's AKC agility trial on October 5, 6 and 7 in Helena. The link will connect you to Ron Armstrong's pictures.  They are excellent -- great close-ups. There are incredible shots of both dogs and handlers. You can learn so much by just looking at the pictures. Enjoy (I know I did).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/montanapets/sets/72157631732486654/

Balance in Agility

Balance and coordination are basic fundamentals that need to be encouraged and developed in agility dogs. Many dogs learn early on in training that they do in fact have back legs!  In normal dog life the back legs are easily forgotten as they just are required to follow the front ones around. However in agility, where we ask our pups to do somewhat unnatural things like weave and balance on teeters, a working knowledge of the hind limbs (which contain the largest and most powerful muscles) is essential.  Improving balance and coordination in the back end will help our dogs perform better in the ring. Next time you see the wobble board out in practice, work it for a while!  Also, when doing the dog walk, ask your pup to stop intermittently so they can work on balancing on the obstacle.   Remember that handler balance and coordination is important too!

This post contributed by Maria.

Sweat for a Pet

Agility Cues

Thought it would be worth sharing cueing again (from class last night, learning from Linda Mecklenburg, Developing Handling Skills for Awesome Agility Teams).

The six cues used in agility are:

• motion
• shoulders
• location
• eye contact
• verbal
• arms/hands

The first four cues listed are natural cues for your dog (so be aware of what you are doing here . . . your dog sure is). The last two cues are trained cues.

Motion naturally trumps all other cues and is the primary cue (motion is the backbone of handling). Providing direction information and motivation are key to good handling. Location relative to your dog naturally provides a direction cue.

• Forward motion with acceleration = forward cue
• Lateral motion with deceleration = turning cue
• No motion = true collection and round jumping arc

Arms and hand signals are trained cues. Arm signals can be used to provide direction information. 

• Inside arm = forward cue
• Outside arm = collection cue

Eye contact naturally cues your dog. 

• Direct eye contact = collection cue (strong, natural side cue)

Remember, by looking over one shoulder or the other when you are in front of your dog you are providing a natural cue for your dog to "collect" to that side.

As a handler you are always providing motion cues, so be aware of them.

Thanks for letting me teach class Tuesday night, I had fun and hope those who attended were able to take a few things home that were new for you and that you want to continue to work on and develop.

Happy Dogs Have Jobs

Dogs need something to do to release mental and physical energy.  When you give your pup something to do you not only provide them with a release but you build the human-canine bond.  This is what agility is all about!  What better way to stimulate both dog and handler than with fun agility problems to solve and communication to work on.  With all the commands, athleticism and even mishaps that go on in the agility ring, one thing you are sure to see is a wagging tail.

This post contributed by Maria

Canine PTSD

Came across this interesting article about canine PTSD.

We had an opportunity to talk with the trainers for some of the Utah Search dogs and they were talking about what their dogs went through after a search.

Makes you really appreciate what our four-legged friends really do for us.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/military-dogs-taking-xanax-receiving-therapy-canine-ptsd-222819057.html

Operant Conditioning for Training Dog

While I was in Florida I had an opportunity to watch a K9 demonstration where I was amazed at how much focus and, yes, control, this trainer had with his dog.

I had an opportunity to talk with the trainer (his dog was a rescue dog) about training styles (when these dogs are working, it is really the ultimate game for them, they are not mean animals). He told me two things: 1) the more he learns, the more he realizes how much he doesn't know and 2) he wished he had learned long ago about Operant Conditioning and dog training.

Here's a great starting place if you want to learn more about this type of training/behavior modification: http://shibashake.com/dog/operant-conditioning-and-dog-training.

Thank You to Wasatch Agility

The UDSAA trials at the Wasatch Agility Yard in Draper were a success!  A few of our dogs gained some much needed experience; a few of our dogs even earned qualifying runs (great job Bailey and Lee)!  Most of all, we learned a lot and had a great time.  Wasatch Agility was very kind to us and donated a tire jump and a dog walk to Zoomdog! Thank you and see you next time!

This post was contributed by Maria :-)

Amazing!

Those Border Collies :-)

Five Basic Motivators

According to Mike Stewart "In order to train any dog, you’ve got to know what your dog is willing to work for. Every dog is a bit different, even within breeds, so finding your dog’s favorite things is up to you. In this clip, Mike explains five basics that should be combined in different proportions depending on what you want in your finished dog. If you pay attention, you’ll also hear Mike mention something called a primary motivator or reinforcer. Here’s a quick primer on the difference between primary and secondary reinforcers."

Read the rest of his information here: http://outsidek9.com/tag/primary-reinforcers/

Clicker Training Terms

Want to impress your friends with some new vocabulary? Try some of these:

http://www.clickertraining.com/glossary

How Should People Behave Around an Assistance Dog?

I am constantly asked this question, so I thought I would share some information from the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) site with some tips to follow when meeting or approaching a working assistance dog and his / her partner:

• Do not touch the dog without first asking permission! This is a distraction for the dog and may prevent it from tending to it's human partner. Be sensitive to the fact that the dog is working and may be in the middle of a command from it's human partner. Most dogs must be given a "release" before they are allowed to interact with someone.
• Never feed the dog. Food is the ULTIMATE distraction to a working dog and can jeopardize the working assistance dog team.
• Speak to the person, not the dog. Most handlers love to talk about their dogs, but make sure they have time to talk with you.
• DO NOT whistle or make sounds to the dog as this, also, may provide a dangerous distraction.
• Never make assumptions about the individuals intelligence, feelings, or capabilities. Offers to help are appreciated, but ask first. Usually, the human/dog team can get the task done by themselves.
• Don't be afraid of the dog. These dogs have been professionally trained and have excellent manners. Always approach an assistance dog calmly and speak to their handler before touching or addressing the dog.

Educate your children about working dogs as well. Children love to come up and love a dog, but when they are working, this provides a distraction for a working dog.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

We all had some pretty tired pups after all the events at the animal fair. I hope that everyone had a good time and learned something new. Remember, we are always up for ideas for things to work on and workshops you may have interest in. We are very willing to work with team on anything specific to their needs. Thanks to all for participating!

This blog  post was contributed by Maria.

Big Thank You

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the vendors and participants for the first annual Animal Fair and PoochPalooza last Saturday at the Cache County Fairgrounds.

Vendors included:

• Cache Humane Society
• Zoomdog Ability and Sports Club
• Petsmart
• BATC Vet Tech Assistant Program
• Scentsy
• Paparrazi Jewlery
• Bridgerland Literacy
• Solavei Cell Phones
• Montour Designs
• Shelf Reliance
• Cache Valley Pet Hotel
• Pride dog Food
• Cafe Ibis
• Happy at Home Pet Care
• Utah Search dogs
• Norma Jeans BBQ
• Adele Purses
• Adina's Fresh Fruit Smoothies

The two day even brought a lot of fun activities to the Valley and we cannot wait until next year.

Schedule for Friday and Saturday Events at Animal Fair/PoochPalooza

Come and Test Your Skills

Come and test your skills in the PoochPalooza mini trial at the Animal Fair

The First Annual Animal Fair/PoochPalooza will be going on this Friday and Saturday (September 7 and 8) at the Cache County Fairgrounds, with mini trials on Saturday morning. There will be a beginner and intermediate course and the $15 fee ($10 for Zoomdog club members) includes two (2) runs. If you are new to the sport and just training, you may run your dog with a toy for no score. Spots are still available if you would like to run (email training@zoomdogagility.org). After the trial there will be a Gamblers Workshop. Come and learn how to gamble with your pup! We are also looking for dogs that can run the course in an exhibition demo run through during this event (Friday and Saturday). Come and have some good clean agility fun with us! Email Maria, or click on the link above, to sign up or get additional information.

Gamblers Course for Saturday September 8 Workshop

Alternate e-mail: maria.hansen@zoomdogagility.org

Blog post graciously prepared by Maria.

Animal Fair/PoochPalooza

Don't forget this Friday and Saturday is out first annual teaming with the Cache Humane Society for the Animal Fair and PoochPalooza.

Event starts at 11 a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. There will be an opportunity to practice with your dogs on Friday and then run some mini trials Saturday morning.

Lots of fun, food, games, and of course, our best friends.

See you there!

This One is for Becca

We know how much Becca loved cats as well as dogs. Couldn't resist. This one is for you!

 

Dog Shaming (Agility Edition)

Have you seen these shameful dogs? How naughty! Our dogs often do things that we wish they wouldn't. Sometimes it's because they could really use more practice  at a particular skill (recall). Other times, it's just dogs being dogs. How many of our dogs have run out of the agility ring or "fouled the course?" It may help to have your pup do a sniff walk before an agility event to become familiar with her surroundings. Taking pup out for a longer potty walk may also help where fouling the course is concerned. However, these things happen to dogs and handlers of ALL levels! I think the best thing is to never give up and look forward to your next event together. Check out more shamed dogs at:

http://dog-shaming.com/.

This posted was contributed by Maria.

We Are Going To Miss You!

As many of you know, Becca Anderson has been the foundation behind what has now become Zoomdog Agility and Sports in Cache Valley. Through not only her love of animals, but also her desire for dog owners to have opportunities to build a bond between themselves and their animals; we now have agility classes, flyball classes, and some obedience training classes available to provide us with hours of fun and bonding with our fury friends/family members.

Becca and her husband Shaun have both recently graduated from college and accepted positions in their fields of study outside of Cache Valley. We owe so much to these two wonderful people and will miss them greatly.

We wanted to express our sincere love and appreciation for what you have left for us to carry forward. We will always remember and appreciate you, and expect visits and updates often.

from the bottom of our hearts!

More Information About Flyball

Here is a great youtube flyball documentary. It's about 10 minutes in length, but VERY informative:

Fall Class Schedule

We will begin holding classes at the Cache County Fairgrounds. When weather permits, we will be holding classes on the west side of the Fairgrounds across from the Logan Aquatic Center. If we are forced inside, we will be meeting in the 4H building (the first building on the north west side - white). If there are no activities being conducted at the Fairgrounds, you will be able to park right near where we will be holding classes.

Tuesday Classes: Begin September 11

ALPHABET DRILLS - 5 P.M. ($30)

Advanced agility drills based on the letters of the alphabet (prerequisite courses required, contact Maria)

AGILITY FOR FUN - 6 P.M. ($30)

Advanced agility sequencing and trial preparation (prerequisite courses required, contact Maria)

OFF LEASH RELEASE AND RECALL - 7 P.M. ($75)

Intermediate and beginner off leash work

Saturday Classes: Begin September 15

FLYBALL - 9 A.M. ($30)

Advanced ongoing drills and box work for flyball

INTRODUCTION TO AGILITY - 10 A.M. ($75)

Beginner introduction to all obstacles (evaluation required, if not completed, contact Maria)

PRACTICE/OPEN - 11 A.M. ($5/session)

Advanced and intermediate practice session (Participants may sign up weekly)

Pricing

Club members receive a 20% discount for classes ($60)

Agility for Fun and Practice/Open are $5 per session outside, $10 per session inside

Club members pay $10 for mini trials. Non-members pay $15 for mini trials

Club membership provides a 20% class discount, 10% gourmet discount, and workshops held after club meetings are free for members ($5 for non-members)

Post contributed by Maria

Animal Fair & PoochPalooza

Be sure and save the date! There will be mini workshops, mini agility trials (beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday morning), pet psychic, games, and lots of fun.

Invite friends, family, neighbors, and of course your furry friends.

Awesome Run

Look how close each obstacle is to the next. This was interesting.

And, oh yes, awesome Sheltie!

Flyball and Recall

Zoomdog’s flyballers are well on their way!  Our flyball class is continuing to impress and improve.  Our ongoing flyball circuit will focus on box turns and building up to the four required jumps.  Did you know that flyball is more about how well your dog recalls than it is about how much they like to actually play with the ball?  Our flyball dogs are really enjoying this fast action sport.  Thanks to all who participate!

Tunnel Fail

Who's Dog is This?

This blog post is contributed by Maria.

Amazing Dog Tricks

Have you ever thought about teaching your dog a new trick? Here are some amazing dogs performing some pretty fun tricks.

2012 Top 10 Pet Toys

There are some fun products in this review:

Congratulations to Lee and Bailey

This team was a dream to watch! Lee and Bailey competed in their first sanctioned trial on July 21st. Bailey was up against some pretty tough competition in all her events, but she ran the agility, weaves and jumps, and steeplechase courses like a champ. Bailey and Lee qualified (clean run) during each run and even took first place in weaves and jumps.

Congratulations on a job well done to this amazing team!

This post was contributed by Maria.

 

Poor Kitty

I feel bad (well, just a little) for this kitty.

How to Stop Your Dog from Barking

Here's a great video from the experts at Canine Companions for Independence.

Bounce Jumps

Bounce jumping is a good skill to teach your agility dog because it:

 a) Makes them concentrate on their stride

 

 b) Is a good conditioning plyometric exercise for their whole body

Bounce jumping is essentially jumping multiple jumps with one stride or bound in between making it look as if the dog is bouncing or hopping over each jump.  When training for bounce jumps, start out with the jumps set low and handle from both right and left sides.  Start out with a few jumps in a straight sequence and gradually add more and try diagonals and arc formations.  

Have fun!

This post is credited to Maria

Too Cute

These aren't dogs, but this is too cute not to post!

Flyball Fun

http://www.flyball.org.au/dogweek/Torchy.jpg

Our beginner flyball dogs are doing very well!  If you want some extra practice, here are a few drills to try.

Jump over and back

  Set up a single jump and practice jumping over, turning in a tight arc, and jumping back over the jump.  You can have doggy turn around a cone or use the “around” command.

Recalls

  Flyball is less about having a dog that is ball motivated, and more about having a dog that will return to you upon call -every time.  Practice recalls by playing fetch or letting doggy out on a long line to sniff, then return on call.

Throwing parties

  Flyball is a very LOUD sport!  Practice jackpotting doggy and throwing them a party (becoming really excited) when they accomplish something new.

See you at practice!

Blog post contributed by Maria

Rattlesnake Vaccine Information

One of the ladies that attends obedience classes with me has a beautiful Spaniel puppy. A few weeks back when she came to class she told us the puppy had been bitten by a rattlesnake, right near her nose, and they were fortunate enough to be close to a veterinary clinic for treatment, or they would have lost her.

There is a vaccine available for dogs to provide them against rattlesnake venom; however, the vaccine protection can be overcome if there is a large amount of venom introduced with the bite. Dogs may require additional veterinary care, so it is recommended that even if your dog does have the vaccine and is bitten, you should still seek medical attention.

The following link provides some rattlesnake vaccine information:

http://www.rattlesnakevaccinations.com

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Do you brush your dog's teeth. Should you? If so, how often?




WebMD has the following information about keeping your dogs teeth healthy:

http://pets.webmd.com/healthy-dog-teeth-10/dentistry-for-dogs