The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda: January 13th, 2009

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 12:02 PM

 We're taking it to the streets!

Thank Dog! Bootcamp has gone urban on the weekends and it's all FREE! If you join our Thank Dog! Meetup Group, you can find all the details there. So far we've hit Runyon Canyon, Santa Monica, and this weekend it's Venice!  Join us!  It's super fun, light-hearted, and the people are fabulous!  Did we mention it's FREE?

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 10:59 AM

 It's ALL in the leash!

Does your dog walk ahead of you? Does your dog pull you down the street? Are you constantly stopping to let your dog sniff around? Does he/she have leash aggression towards other dogs? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, leadership has not been fully established within your household.

One of the crucial ways in establishing the leadership role with your dog is through the leash. The leash is a form of communication that let's the dog know what is being asked of them and who the pack leader is. If the dog ISN'T walking at a "heel," pulling ahead, sniffing around, and/or marking his/her place everywhere, he/she is communicating that you're NOT in control and he/she is really the alpha dog.

Dogs feed off energy through the leash as well. If you are not confident in your position, the dog knows and will do whatever he/she needs in order to survive because dogs are survivalists. Leash aggression is a common behavior that arises from the owners unbalanced energy. Therefore, if you're already expecting the dog to lash out because of previous experiences on walks, they most definitely will due to the insecurities he/she is feeding from.

All these issues are dealt with in Thank Dog! Bootcamp. Learning how to handle your dog on the leash is the key to ensure that everyone gets a great workout, while teaching your dog how to behave. The combination of exercise and obedience will not only transform your walks forever, but will give you and your dog the bodies you've always wanted:)

Labels: dog aggression, dog communication, energy, leash aggression, obedience training, pack leader

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 11:34 AM

 Dog parks are NOT enough!

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."- Ya, we just quoted a line from Madonna but that's because it's so suiting for this topic and plus, we're big fans!

Dog Parks were purely made with good intentions. Who wouldn't expect a dog to love running around like he/she is free in nature, while getting to be around other dogs? It's a great idea. We get it. We just wouldn't take our dogs to them and that's another reason why Thank Dog! Bootcamp was developed.

Most dog owners use dog parks for a way to exercise and socialize their dog all at the same time, being totally free of a leash, and in a big fenced in area to run around and play. It sounds good, but only to those who don't know much about dog psychology, pack behavior, and/or has a dog that's left home alone for hours during the day. They think the dog park is a perfect solution for their dog but in reality, it's just an accident waiting to happen.

So many energies, so many dogs, and without proper supervision, anything can happen. The problem is that any dog can come into a dog park. There aren't any evaluations or consultations given. It's a free for all which means anyone can play! Anyone including untrained dogs, aggressive dogs, shy and timid dogs, and let's not forget the bullies. And, what about the owners? The ones who don't pay attention, has no dog park etiquette, and/or clueless about their dog's behavior in a pack and how to take responsibility when it's needed.

What is dog park etiquette? It's what all dog owner's should do and be aware of when taking their dog to the park to ensure a safe and fun environment. The first and most important is making sure the dog is exercised before entering the park, so play is less aroused and pent up energy is released. Dogs who have pent up energy are the ones who tend to fight the most.

Exercise is so important for dog's, especially when a dog park is involved. So no matter what, the dog park just isn't enough for what a dog truly needs whether it be exercise and/or socialization. Throwing the ball around doesn't establish leadership nor does it stimulate the dog's mind. They need a leader, a rank in the pecking order, and discipline. They need mental and physical stimulation, not just one or the other. Walking and/or running at a "heel" on the leash does both because of the physical activity, while mentally focusing on you. Thank Dog! Bootcamp provides this environment for a happy and healthy living, a peaceful home environment, and a new relationship that will bond you and your pup forever!

Labels: dog behavior, dog exercise, dog park etiquette, dog parks

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 8:32 AM