What You Do Every Day Counts & The Dog Too

What a difference thinking about and implementing one little statement makes.  The last few days the concept “What You Do Every Day Counts” keeps coming into play and I find the more I use it, the easier life has gotten for me... and of course for the dogs who live with me every day.

As part of Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner this is one of the List of Seven Things - What you do EVERY DAY counts.... not what you do sometimes, or every once in awhile.  

Big Projects Get in The Way of Little Projects... or is it Little Projects Get in the Way of Big Projects?

I’m not really sure... what I do know is one of the two was stopping me from getting things done... or I should say in comparison to some... all the things I want to get done completed.  For instance.... I have a private dog training website that has become less than ideal.  The platform it is set up on pretty much sucks and the cost per month is ridiculous.  I mean way ridiculous, especially when one is looking to live a cash based lifestyle as one of their goals.

Why throw money away (actually quite a bit of money) on something that doesn’t really work right on a monthly basis?  In this case I can tell you it’s simply because the job seems to big to tackle.... and I keep telling myself that I’ll find “a block of time to get the whole thing done in”.

Yeah, right.  So far those kind of statements when I reflect back on them have never worked.  Yet I have continued to tell myself “I’ll get it done when I have a block of time when I can really concentrate on it”.  That must be why I have all these lists that have been put to the wayside to start another list, (just for today... after all, I’m going to get to the big project on the other list “when I have a block of time”).....

What You Do Every Day Counts

So... my Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner was based off of the book The Happiness Project.... and since implementing many of the concepts in the book, things have changed in a big way for me.  Which is why I decided to apply it all to for those who have a dog in their life and are looking for the well trained lifestyle where you go out with the dog, get fit, have the dog be the coolest dog ever... and everyone wags more because of it.  (you can start your own Happiness Dog Project by subscribing to the Healthy Living Wag Report)....

I came to the major realization that the big block of time is never going to come.  And I decided I also do not want to be bogged down with these big projects always weighing on my mind.  Through all of my successes these are the things allowing my brain to be programed with undue stress... because I don’t have this done, that done or the other thing done... and the kicker thing is... it comes down usually to the big projects that get my head in this space.

Implement what you do every day counts and this is what happens.  I took the big projects I had and gave myself a little bit of time to work on them every day.  It’s amazing how just starting the project changed the whole motion of the incomplete...

And here I am... feeling good about a bunch of projects that I have been wanting to complete.... like moving the Private Dog Training Site (which I found out as I work through the project has some kickass stuff in it...) I create, get it going and then tend to discount the fact that I’ve got really good stuff in the quest to create more good stuff.

I think it’s probably true for everyone.  We are so programmed to look at what isn’t going right, or what we don’t have done... that all the cool things you actually do get done never get the due credit they should.

Moving the training site, finishing touches on more than one lifestyle with dog e-books, of course... my commitment to bringing Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner to the lives of as many cool dog owners as possible... my fitness, I love my fitness and even someone like me can end up not getting out and getting it done in the quest for “the block of time”.....

All stuff I do every day..... and I’m finding I’m getting so much more done.  I’m so much more happy about it and we are all wagging more.

Life With Dog

How does it all pertain to life with the dogs?  The block of time theory is one that comes to mind when I think about so many of my clients who have come to me with the problem dog.

It’s usually one or two or maybe three behaviors that are driving the owner to such frustration they finally call me for help training the dog.  Yet, when it comes down to it, the concept of “I’ll fix this with the dog when I have time” comes into play for many owners when it comes to what they do with their dog every day.

For instance.... if you have a dog that constantly pulls on the leash... so much so that it is not fun to take the dog as your fitness training partner... ya know, that daily walk or run you have committed in your head to do.... but maybe haven’t implemented “What You Do Every Day Counts” method on it yet?....

This is one you can get done by implementing a couple of simple things to creating the picture your dog is going to stay by your side.  It’s a matter of doing it consistently and doing it every day.  Pulling is something that has become a habit... we tend to throw our hands up in the air and allow the buck em bronko type of walk or run with huge frustration to happen... instead of taking the small steps to replace this habit with not pulling.... in What You Do Every Day Counts....

    •    Never let your dog pull in front of you
    •    Stop, turn in another direction
    •    Make several turns quickly
    •    Mark the moment your dog is not pulling with reward...
                praise, treat, pet...
    •    You have to slow down to get change the habit
    •    Don’t try to keep moving in forward motion if your dog is pulling
    •    Dogs do what works.... if you don’t move forward when they pull,
                the pulling will stop
    •    Show your dog the place you want him or her to be... next to you...
                 not in front of you
    •    It takes patience
    •    It takes consistency
    •    It takes time

What You Do Every Day Counts and you’ll make progress much faster than you think by doing it every day.

Read Running with Two Dogs... even if you don’t have two dogs there are good tips that show turns and stops and starts to get your dog on the path to not pulling on the leash...

And you’ll be well on your way to What You Do Every Day Counts... not what you do some of the time... or sometimes... or every once in a while.

And one more thing... you’ll have accomplished more than one thing you want to do everyday by practicing this... it’s important.  The exerciserly thing for your fitness, your lifestyle and a well behaved balanced dog.

Wag More!

One Minute Rule Makes For Well Trained You and Dog

As I cruise along here in the Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner experience I’m finding some of the coolest little things that are changing for the better for me, and of course my dogs, in a big way.

For one thing, I was really really tired of being unorganized and pretty much have been my entire life.  I strive for organization and somehow end up more disorganized than ever.  There’s a good reason why my dog is my best friend as well though... my Weimaraner nor my Lab give one paw that things are not put in order!

Anyway, one of my list of 7 Things I Am is Creatively Organized.....

which means that I do want order in my life, I just need it all to be put together in a way that makes sense to me.  That means it needs to be somewhat colorful, and have the things I use the most look good where ever it is that I choose to put them away.  It might not be the rules everyone needs to fall under, but it is what works for me.  I’ve never been too good at staying inside the box.

I’ve always tried to attack doing this by getting organized all in one day.  I’d leave things for later because I was going to make a time to get EVERYTHING organized.  Big surprise I know... that big chunk of time never happened.  When I discovered the idea...

What you Do EVERY DAY counts not what you do sometimes....

and that’s where the one minute rule has really got me going in the direction I’ve been trying to get to for years.  I’m getting nicely organized in a very creative way! 

The One Minute Rule

The One Minute Rule is where if you see something and it will take less than a minute to get done you should do it right then.  Things like picking up my shoes.  Putting the dish that I just ate off of in dishwasher, throwing the laundry in the hamper instead of on the floor by the bed since I’m going to put them back on in the morning anyway... maybe.... which I don’t cause I like to wear new clothes everyday anyway.... deleting the junk e-mail, storing PDF’s, articles, downloads... you know important things where I can find them in the folder that would make sense instead of leaving it as an attachment on the e-mail and then doing a search through 10,000 e-mails to find it again when I need it.  Those types of things.... The One Minute Rule applies to.

So many little things I do now with the one minute rule in mind.  When I come inside from the car instead of putting the miscellaneous items I’ve taken for some outdoor adventure in a pile, I put them where they are supposed to go.  Even the dog leashes.  It takes less than a minute and the little messy piles are gone all the time now.  Good stuff.

Dogs and The One Minute Rule

So how would this pertain to life as a dog?  Well... many dogs are not able to hold a sit in the house, outside the house, by a table of food and certainly not in the midst of another dog in the area or person who appears to possibly be carrying a treat.  In all of these scenarios The One Minute Rule applied to teaching sit initially and then getting a dog to do it anywhere is an amazing trick as well.

The failure of most dogs that the words untrained, or badly trained, or not trained at all is simply the basics are not solid.  For dogs that means sit.

Telling a dog to sit and then not following through is a mistake done commonly and is a product of our unwillingness to take the less than one minute to put the dog back into a sit and make it a habit to start holding that sit longer and longer.... like a minute!

Put in those terms I’m sure there is more than one person that is guilty of letting the dog down by being too busy to help with a one minute sit.  That’s okay... I found that starting today is the best option.... and that what you do every day is what counts from now on.

Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner

What are you doing to feel happier these days?  Especially with your dog?  Sign up for the Healthy Living Wag Report and get the latest on the creating your own project, dog friendly events, dog news and fitness and health as a lifestyle for you and your dog.

And don't forget to Eat Your Colors....

Feeling Good, Feeling Bad and Feeling Right. Life with Dogs.

As I continue to trek on with the Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner experience I find that it really is about each moment of the day.

Take for instance the concept of feeling good, feeling bad and feeling right.

What happens when you wake up in the morning with things you need to get done and yet you feel bad?  It’s hard to get going.  And it is certainly hard to get going with any sort of finesse when you feel like that.

It’s precisely what happened to me today and due to this project I was able to figure a way out of it.

I felt bad when I got up.  Didn’t want to get anything done, didn’t feel like doing anything, and didn’t really feel like anyone cared whatever it was that I did.  But then I realized it was about each moment and started applying things like the One Minute Rule.  (you’ll find it in an upcoming post)

Feeling Good and Feeling Bad

It’s hard in the moments when you feel bad to make yourself feel good.  But what I’m finding is that with a bit of practice the feeling can be attained with just a little effort.

Thinking about those things that you do have in your life to make you feel good is the answer to this dilemma.  There are things, you just have to bring your mind to think about the good and quit focusing on whatever it is that is making you feel bad.

Think Like a Dog

Very simple answer to feeling good.  It’s every day that my two dogs get up wagging their tails in anticipation of what the day is going to bring.  It doesn’t even really matter if it’s the exact same thing that happened yesterday.... the thought of those fun moments is enough to wag for the day.

Ok.  Keeping that in mind I realized that I had the opportunity to go to the gym.  Run on the treadmill in my barefoot shoes.  It was the option instead of going out on the Rim Trail.  It’s unseasonably hot here in Taos, New Mexico and the dogs could get heat exhaustion due to lack of a cooling system.

Instead I came up with a great plan.  There’s a river right up the road so when I was done with the workout for today, I took my computer and headed up the road with the dogs.  They got to get out and run and get in the river.  I got to sit and get some work done on my computer in a very creative way.

That feels right.

So there you go.  The training lesson for today for you and the dog.  Feeling good, feeling bad and feeling right.

I started out feeling bad.  I focused on only those things that could make me feel good.  I lived the moment like my dogs.... wagging in anticipation of the next fun thing....
and now everything is feeling right.

Create your own Project Happiness Life with Dog As Training Partner.  It’s easy enough to click on the Healthy Living Wag Report and go for your fit, balance lifestyle with your dog as your most loyal training partner.

Dog Fat? You Might Be Too.

Yikes. A statement most people just don’t want to hear. Never the less, our dogs tend to be a very serious reflection of ourselves and it may be time to wake up and start moving the paws.

As a professional dog trainer the tendency for behavior to to be reflected back and forth between dog and owner is high. A fear aggressive dog many times has an owner who underneath it all has the same behavior. Humans are able to hide it and act appropriate in front of others while dogs don’t have the filter and can’t understand why everyone is looking at them with that “unacceptable behavior” look on their face.

A dog just doesn’t get that its not OK to act that way in public. They wear who they are right out their on their paws for everyone to see.

Same goes with the fitness truth or consequences. Is it the outfit or is it fat? Again, no hiding the truth, its right out there for everyone to see when it comes to the dog. Still as humans we tend to ignore the reflection in the mirror and it takes your very cool dog trainer, dog walker or holistic veterinarian to come out with a statement like, “your dog has a few extra pounds and really should lose a little weight.” i.e. a nice way to say “your dog is fat!”

Again, with humans we tend to try our best to try and hide this and we make it easy on ourselves because your don’t have someone like a dog walker that walks with you everyday saying flat out to you, “I think you look a little fat!”

So its up to us to take a look at the reflection of ourselves objectively and decide it is in fact time to commit to getting fit by finding a fun way to induce weight loss. Don’t wait for the husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend to buck up and admit they’d like wear their emotions on their sleeve like the dog does and say it straight out to your face. Probably won’t happen until its time for serious behavior modification.

The good news is getting fit is getting easier when a loyal training partner joins your quest for improved health. Fitness programs that include your dog as your motivation to get out and do a routine regularly are on the rise. The even better news. It’s working for people.

A Canine Cross Training program created by K9 Coach, Inc in San Diego, CA already has participants making comments about how in a short period of time while training with the dog, “the designer jeans that were really expensive and had become really uncomfortable, suddenly have become that comfortable pair they want to put on.”

Good stuff. Dogs motivate many to get active and stay active. While this is a huge benefit for us humans, dogs also benefit from the routine with a built in dog training regime at the same time.

Follow more tips on fitness, health and training tips... all with the dog by clicking the the graphic below...

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Jt Clough is a professional dog trainer who has studied and applied how to create a balanced life through calm dog training techniques with her long time commitment to health and fitness. Clough, a finisher of 9 Ironmans among many other fitness accomplishments, along with her life partner Gary Guller who has reached the summit of Mt. Everest, bring inspiration to others for developing a lifestyle that include health, fitness and a balanced way of being.

Idita-Walk - Fitness for You Fitness for Your Dog

Go Train Your Dog and Yourself.  Get fit.  Get balanced.  Get wagged.

The Idita-Walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Most dog owners know about the Iditarod and have an appreciation for it simply in the spirit of the amazing physical accomplishments as well as emotional ties we have to our dogs and their abilities.

The thought of being able to join in or even go watch usually exists in our heads as one of those “it would be fun” statements but the possibility really isn’t there.  Both from a logistical standpoint and a dog breed technicality, participating leaves us out of this event.  A Weimaraner gets a bit cold with no coat and the Labrador raised in San Diego might not be acclimated for the Alaska event!

The Idita-Walk allows anyone to join in from anywhere 

with any dog breed, big or or small!  Cool.  Wag.

The Idita-Walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.  The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is 1049 miles long from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.  To complete the Idita-Walk, simply walk 30 minutes a day for 35 days between February 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010 for a total of 1049 minutes Any combination of minutes will work - just reach 1049 during the 59 day event!

You can even count running or jogging!  For those of you who have signed up for Canine Cross Training and are getting your personal walking, jogging or running workouts sent to you weekly its even easier.  If you aren’t in this program seriously take a look at it.

A fitness program that doesn’t require a gym or to go out and meet someone at another location is much easier to succeed with our busy lives and lack of time.  Your dog as your most loyal training partner means you can stay on this fitness program AND you get a personal coach inspiring you with what to do each day on a weekly basis.

In the new decade of 2010 the trend is to Escape Modern Day Stresses and "Return to Sacred Places".  What a great way to jump on the trend.

Register for the Idita-Walk here.

Register for Canine Cross Training here. 

Register for other Dog Friendly Events here.


San Diego Dog Training Camps Camp Private Coaching
 
Go out and have some fun with your dog.  Get fit, get balance in your life, your dog’s life, and wag more!
©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com  www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Dog Owners More Likely To Maintain Exercise Program

The food eating frenzy is over.  With the passing of New Year’s Day, the food-fests go with it.  From Thanksgiving to New Year’s everything seems to be planned around parties with food that’s very tasty but is now being worn around our bellies.

The time has come.  Good news for dog owners when it comes to this subject.  Studies show that people who own dogs are much more likely to get started on an exercise program.

The even better news and the big surprise to researchers.... studies also show that people who started an exercise program with their dog show big improvement while those who started similar programs without dogs began making excuses, showing little improvement. 

Another interesting fact was the speed of walking, jogging, or running increased by 28% for those training with dogs versus those without a dog with only a 4% increase.  Not that it is the most important thing on the agenda but it does make one feel like they are really doing something when the pace picks up on a natural basis.

Even so, we all tend to need a little added motivation when it comes to starting a program.  Walking or running is the easiest to get into, and for the most part the most effective.  Joining a gym which many do right after the first of the year feels like motivation but more often than not becomes overwhelming.

A gym can be intimidating and feeling like you “belong” doesn’t come easy.  The failure rate is high due to feeling like you don’t know what you are doing.  Again, a walking or running program you can do without the scrutiny of long time gym members eyes.

Having something other than weight loss or getting fit to focus on helps immensely with motivation.  Your dog as your training partner can be a big inspiration as well.  After all, you can rely on your dog to show up every single time.  A training partner increases your chances of success greatly.

A training plan written out for you increases your chances of enjoying the exercise,  knowing what to do and how to do it safely.  Give yourself something to focus on while you are establishing your exercise, diet and nutrition routine.  Stick with your new plan plan by signing up for our Canine Cross Training: Running your 1st 5K! 

Even if signing up for the 5K or 10K isn’t in your list of things you really want to do, having a training plan clearly written out for you and the assistance of your reliable dog training partner will get you to the ultimate goal:  fitness, weight loss, and a healthy you.

So get your dog and get started.  There is no more time to waste in the game of life.  Health and fitness are the foundation to everything else.  Get your dog, get your training plan and get started today.

*Note about the author:  Jt Clough is a professional dog trainer who has studied and applied how to create a balanced life through calm dog training techniques with her long time commitment to health and fitness.  A finisher of 9 Ironmans among many other fitness accomplishments along with her life partner Gary Guller who has reached the summit of Mt. Everest, bringing inspiration to others for a lifestyle that includes health and fitness is giving back to the world all the joys it has given.

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

Canine Cross Training Health & Fitness Programs

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010     www.SitK9Sit.com      www.GoTrainYourDog.com

New Year’s Resolution for You and The Dog

2009 is only a few hours from being behind us. On to 2010 and what many put hope of a new beginning. Its really a great thing to do and New Year’s resolutions aren’t cliche anymore. Its a time to set goals, go for a better way of being, thinking, and doing.

Number one on everyone’s list should be:

Wag more.

Yep. Even if you aren’t a dog owner it’s a good rule to live by. Of course dog owners know exactly what that means. Dogs tend to wag at the slightest hint of possibility. For the most part, those who wag more have more joy, harmony, gratitude, and peace of mind than those who spend their time barking about whatever is presented them on a moment to moment basis.

Along with wag more the highest of priorities should be health and fitness. Without it the chances of your happiness and self fulfillment becoming a reality are much smaller. Doesn’t matter if you are person or dog, if you don’t feel good, if you are overweight, if you can’t get out and move its not a fun place to be.

So here they are. Top priorities for 2010. You and the dog:

• Wag more.
• Get fit.
• Loose those extra pounds.
• Find peace of mind.

For the dog finding peace of mind and wagging more are easier than for most of the thinking two legged communities we live in. Make it a point to take a lesson from our four legged friends there on a daily basis. Wag more.

Getting fit and losing extra pounds.... well.... those are more under the two legged friends control and our dogs rely on us for the opportunities to join in the movement on those fronts.

The truth of the matter is it is much easier to accomplish weight loss and getting fit when you have a loyal training partner to rely on. Perfect for dog owners. You’ll never find a more loyal training partner, ready to go at any moment’s notice, never an excuse and always with a big inviting wag of excitement to go.

Awesome. So we have established that weight loss and getting fit are big on the New Year’s resolution list. We’ve also established that the chances of it actually happening are high when you have someone to rely on.

Perfect.

Then this is for you. Your dog is already willing to sign up. Done.

Now all you need another coach to inspire you, provide a simple program you can follow with the help of your dog, add a little encouragement here and there and send you what to do every week.

Done.

How to Run Your 1st 5K
with Your Dog as
Your Most Loyal Training Partner

It’s easy, its fun, you get to do it with your dog and it will work.

Click to find out more about Running Your 1st 5K with Your Dog as Your Training Partner.

Even if you don’t want to actually sign up for a 5K you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a training program written for you and your dog to follow. Getting encouragement from a coach and 9 time Ironman finisher that knows dogs, knows how to train for fitness and has found success in coaching others to their best.

Go ahead. Make 2010 your year. Look good, feel good, get fit, and wag more.


Canine Cross Training *fitness & health programs for you and your dog

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Dog House and Potty Training: Pet Stain Removal

Whether you have a dog or puppy that hasn't quite gotten the "potty training" thing, or you have a new addition to the family this is for you. Not only are these the best products you can find ANYWHERE to aid in the potty training process, the ability to clean old pet stains is beyond outstanding.

As a professional dog trainer, one of the biggest dog problems I get called with is how to house train or potty train the beloved dog. With all of my years of experience no one has put together more comprehensive information than Plant Urine. Go to their website and save yourself a lot of money, end up with a dog that is part of the family with freedoms to enjoy your home.

Year End Sale. TODAY ONLY is your LAST CHANCE to SAVE 25% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER!!

Celebrate the New Year! Hurry because this offer is for TODAY ONLY!

SAVE 25% on ALL PRODUCTS!
Use Coupon Code "TODAYONLY"

• UrineOut Powder
• Smells No More
• No-P Housebreaking Aid
• Godzilla Buster
• LawnSaver
• and much, much more!

Here's how to redeem your 25% discount:

1. Go to this link: Planet Urine

2. Place items in your Shopping Cart.

3. Continue shopping or Checkout.

4. Type the Coupon Code "TODAYONLY" (minus quotes) into the Coupon Code field and click Apply.

5. Your 25% discount will be applied to your ENTIRE order.

Offer expires midnight CDT, so order now.




Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

10 Best iPhone Apps for Dog Lovers

Its the aftermath of the gift giving holidays. Time off before the New Year is common and its a great time to figure out how to use all of those fun electronic gadgets and gifts you received. For dog lovers there are interesting new aspects to gifts that pertain to your world.

From training your dog to teaching dog tricks to finding a local dog park in your area or an area you are visiting, the new iPhone dog apps are a must for dog owners.

Make sure to leave us a comment about what your dog got for the holidays and remember our fitness program starting January 1st tailored for you to get back into shape, lose some extra pounds while relying on your most loyal training partner ever. Your very best friend. Your dog.

10 Best iPhone Apps for Dog Lovers

Canine Cross Training Program *A fitness and health program for you and your dog coming Jan 1, 2010

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

DNA Breed Identification Kit

How To Remove Urine
6 Easy Steps for a Proven Method of
Urine Removal. Freedom is Possible!

Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Holiday Dog Food - The Good and The Bad

Just plain dog food kibble, especially the same kind of dog kibble every day can get a little boring. Since we love our dogs so much, we tend to give them a special treat during the holidays. Usually something from the more than fabulous holiday dinner being prepared to share with friends and family.

The truth of the matter is a little “real” food isn’t a bad thing for your dog. Most commercial dog food is REALLY scary and knowing the facts on some premium dog foods quickly explains why our dogs are getting fat, acquiring health problems and dying younger.

That being said, not all food good for humans is good for the dog either. In fact there are some very common foods that can be harmful, even deadly to our dogs’ long and short term health.

Because these foods are so common and many of them a good healthy choice for humans yet not well known to be harmful or toxic for dogs here is a list to help spread the word to dog lovers. *Send this article to all your dog people friends so they know!

• Turkey Skin - Tis the season for this food item in most households. A little turkey for the dog. What a great idea. Just remove the skin first. Turkey skin is known to cause pancreatitis dogs.
  
• Bones - Cooked bones can be a real problem for your dog. Small or large they become brittle once cooked, causing the bone to splitter and lodge in the throat or even worse yet the intestines. Bad news. Uncooked larger soup bones are not a bad thing for the dog and can be gotten from your local store meat counter.
• Grapes/Raisins - This is one that is not commonly known and surprises most dog owners. This fruit is extremely toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin and as little as a handful can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Nuts - Macadamia nuts are known to cause tremors, weakness or paralysis in the hindquarters or your dog. The good thing it isn’t deadly and the symptoms wear off after a short while, still not a good thing even short term. Walnuts are considered poisonous to dogs and can cause gastroenteritis.
• Chocolate - Bakers chocolate or dark chocolate contains the substance Theobromine. The substance is similar to caffeine and is described as poisonous for dogs but the most common toxic effect is heart attack.
• Nutmeg - Is a hallucinogen in dogs. Some may have the thought cross their mind... “cool”.... However your dog might not think the altered state is that cool really!

Enjoy your holidays. Get some exercise with your dog, and drink lots of water.

©Jt Clough and K9Coach, Inc. www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

San Diego Dog Training Camps and Private Coaching

Online Training Fitness & Health Programs
*(Canine Cross Training Programs Starting Jan 1)

How To Remove Urine
6 Easy Steps for a Proven Method of
Urine Removal. Freedom is Possible!

Mixed Breed Dog? How To Find Out What Breeds Make Up Your Dog

Mixed breed dogs are cool. Shelter dogs and rescues dogs are a combination of more than one breed or many breeds, though pure breed shelter dogs are on the rise as well. Many times we wonder what breeds our dog is made up of out of love and out of curiosity.

As dog owners we tend to adore our dogs and the question comes up. “I wonder what kind of dog you are?” Curiosity is known for killing the cat but when it comes to knowing what breed your dog is the answers can help with many aspects of your dog’s life.

Dog breeds come with a variety of traits and knowing what those are can aid in training, especially if you have a dog that is showing signs of behavior problems. Diet and exercise needs are different according to breed and knowing the facts can aid in a prolonged dog life. Dog health and fitness varies and can be breed specific. Knowing the breed facts is a huge advantage in your relationship with the happiest friend and confident most people have.

In the recent past it’s been an extensive vet lab procedure to find this information out, but as our technology continues to evolve in the pet care industry, there is now a DNA Identification test available at a very low cost, sent right to your home. You don’t have to load the dog up and find yourself in for way more than you bargained for at an expensive doggie doctor appointment.

If you’ve been wondering the breeds your beloved dog is made up of order your own DNA Breed Identification Test Kit. The Canine DNA testing is easy and safe for your pet, and can be done at home. Simply swab the cheek of your dog with the enclosed foam collection device. Then just send the Dog DNA test ID card, along with the customer information card in the enclosed prepaid envelope to BioPet Vet Lab.

Makes a great holiday gift for dog lovers with a mixed breed dog or for those who just want to know more about their beloved family member, the dog!

Click to order your DNA Identification Test Kit

Online Dog Heath & Fitness

San Diego Dog Training Programs

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2009 www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

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Dog Bone Treat Recipe - Perfect Christmas Dog Gift

The holidays are upon us and the shopping malls are a bit crazy these days. For those of you with dogs on you Christmas shopping list here’s a great idea that’s cost effective and the dogs will love.

Everyone knows chocolate is not good for the dog. A fact not well known though is carob is a substitute that dogs can eat and it makes us humans feel so sweet to give that special bonus dog treat.

Carob information: The carob tree is cultivated for its edible seed pods. Carob, dried or roasted has a slightly sweet taste. It's used in powder or chip form as a substitute for chocolate in cakes and cookies. Carob is used as a non-toxic alternative to chocolate in dog treats, as the theobromine in chocolate is toxic to most dogs.

Carob Dog Bone Treat Recipe

Dough Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter (non sweetened)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cups unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup rolled oats

Keep additional flour ready to roll dough without sticking to the rolling pin.

*Personally I flattened the dough using my hands and additional flour.

Mix water, oil, eggs, vanilla and peanut butter with a wire whisk. Add flour, cornmeal and oats using a mixer or by hand mixing.

Divide dough in thirds and place 1/3rd on floured surface. Flour top of dough and gently knead, adding more flour until dough is pliable enough to roll. (Or flatten evenly using your hand)

Roll to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness and cut using a bone shaped cookie cutter. (Another shape of your choice will work too!)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes depending on thickness.

Carob Dip

1/2 lb carob chips
1/4 cup milk

Melt carob chips in microwave at half power for 1 minute. Stir in milk and microwave at half power for 1 more minute. Stir to smooth consistency.

After bones have cooled dip one end in warm carob mixture. Place on surface to cool.

Store these dog treats the same way you would homemade cookies. An airtight container is best. Since there are no preservatives in these treats refrigeration is best or if the treats are not used within a couple of weeks freeze them. Thaw completely before feeding.

Your dog will love the treats. It’s a great idea for all of your dog owning friends and family as a holiday gift.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to go outside and get some exercise with your dog. Its good for you. It’s good for your dog.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2009 www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

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Potty Training House Cleaning Help

Love your dog but hate the smell of urine in your home? Guests coming for the holidays? Want to start the New Year off on the right paw with potty training problems solved?

Once and for all there is true help for this embarrassing problem.

Planet Urine helps pet owners solve their pet urine problems. As a professional dog trainer with many clients who have come to me with potty training problems, I’ve tried more than enough urine enzyme products in the past to no avail. Planet Urine works! The smell, the stain, and the information in general on potty training is the best out there.

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Shelters in California filling with Chihuahuas

Sad but true. There are more pure bred Chihuahuas in some California shelters than any other breed. Click the link below to read full story.

Find out why.

Shelters in California filling with Chihuahuas

Potty training can be one of the simplest things you do in your dog training quest... given the right tools and knowledge. If you are having this problem with your dog, don't get frustrated. The best potty or house training info out there is a click away.....

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Chihuahuas, Lap Dogs and Other Small Dogs 2nd Chance

These days Hollywood seems to have a hold on many of our everyday decisions. What we wear, what weight we “ideally” should be, who’s cool, and what kind of dog we should own.

With the release of movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua and the number of celebrities like Paris Hilton, Serena Williams, & Oprah Winfrey with small dogs, those who are even thinking about getting a dog tend to make a choice based on cute rather than temperament, the need for dog training, how much exercise is required, or the difficulty to potty train.

The joy of bringing home a new puppy turned nightmare when uncontrollable barking, peeing in the house, chewing shoes, furniture, and cell phones, snapping at guests, or growling at other dogs appears is often the case with dogs that people think of as small and completely controllable. The number of breeds like Maltese, Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound, Silky Terrier, and King Charles Cavalier’s ending up in shelters due to this problems is alarming.

The sad thing is with a little research and some professional dog training these problems could be avoided entirely or at the very least fixed. The mistake of thinking a small dog needs little exercise is a big one and many don’t realize until after all the damage is done. People aren’t willing to change the lifestyle or realize that by changing exercise level and communication with the small dog the result is a really great little companion.

Thus large numbers of small dogs are ending up in shelters. Really sad and unnecessary but never the less true. It turns out that its also happening in some areas of the country more than others.

For instance the shelters in LA or filling up with these small breeds while other areas of the country like New Hampshire have very few of these breeds and many people who with lifestyles that can support the well being of a small dog.

Hollywood and the people who make up the scene there do a lot of good things to and in this case Katherine Heigl has done a very cool thing in that she paid thousands of dollars to have small shelter dogs shipped from LA to Nashua, NH.

Heigl one of the stars of Grey’s Anatomy felt she had the means and the joy of a small dog united with a owner who has time, energy and understanding is admirable from all aspects.

Small dogs can be trained just like big dogs to be great companions. The two biggest problems are potty training and over excited energy. Because toy breeds tend to be able to get away with things big dogs aren’t, expectations from the beginning are different. By practicing good dog training habits and establishing a potty training routine just like a big dog, these small breeds can be the best companions ever that can go anywhere because of their size.

If you are dealing with these problem with your small dog, its not too late. As with anything, today is the best day to start a new program whether it be diet, exercise or program to get your dog training off on the right paw!

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2009 www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Thanksgiving Dog Food Fitness & Health

The holidays are here. Time for food, drink, friends, family (including the dog), and good times.

Thanksgiving tends to center around food. Not all the food we eat on this type of holiday is the best for our health, but never the less we eat it. The same is true for our dogs. Food that we eat that is bad for us tends to take effect over time. The difference with dogs and the food that is bad for them at Thanksgiving is that it can be detrimental to their health quickly.

There are common foods that most dog owners know are bad for dogs like chocolate, but the list of foods that are commonly prepared for a holiday feast that could cause serious health issues for your dog may surprise you.

Read the list of foods that can cause health issues that may not be reversible such as pancreatitis here: Thanksgiving Dog Food

Make sure to reduce the amount of stress the holiday can bring for yourself and your dog by getting out and getting some exercise first thing Thanksgiving morning. Not only will it offset the amount of food that might be consumed, but the unusual commotion with friends and family can not only be stressful for your dog, but you as well.

Exercise is the best way to dissipate these type of feelings. Just watch a dog run and see the look on their face and it becomes pretty clear!

Have a great Thanksgiving.... make sure to keep the foods that could hurt your dogs health permanently inaccessible to your dog, get some exercise and enjoy your family, friends, and your dog.

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Surf Dog Raises $10,000 & 3 yrs of Therapy for Quadriplegic Patrick Ivison

Ricochet the surf dog, better known as Rip Curl Ricki when she's in the water, has done a great job of raising money for 15 year old Patrick Ivison. Patrick is quadriplegic and is an inspiration to the physically challenged in a very big way.

Patrick doesn't let things stop him. He's active in his studies and in sporting events including an active surfing partner with Ricochet the Surf Dog.

Read the full story... Surf Dog Raises $10,000 & 3 yrs of Therapy for Quadriplegic Patrick Ivison

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Thanksgiving - Dog Training: Wag Daily

November brings a time for reflection on Thanksgiving. In the economic downturn the good side comes to light with the return to our lives. What is important. What is not.

Returning to home and spending quality time with family, friends, yourself and the dog is finding its way back to important and those fundamentals build our true wealth in life.

The article Giving Thanks: The Dog Wag Training Treatment tells how you can simply look at your dog in the morning and find the inspiration for gratitude, thankfulness, and simplicity of a simple smile.

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We take on the amalgamation of the 5 people we hang out with the most. Your dog can bring that peaceful, shining wag to how you feel every day.

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Dog Tricks. Take My Socks Off!

Dog training for some people carries a negative connotation along the lines of work, task, something that must be done that you don’t want to do.

Stop yourself from the negative and have some fun with dog training. Here’s a great video on how to teach your dog to take your socks off. Fun dog stuff.

Keep in mind anything you train your dog to do can be this fun. It’s just a matter of understanding how your dog learns. You can mark the moment of whatever it is you want... like taking your socks off or not pulling on the leash!


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Dog Food: The Good, The Bad, and The Easy

How do you think your body would do if you ate the same exact food for every single meal of your entire life? Probably miss out on a few things on the nutritional end as well as get a bit bored and look for something else to chew on, right?

Dogs don't get that choice and usually don't complain but it can show up in their long term health. The old adage "you are what you eat" applies here as well.

Not all dog food is the same. Kibble is a great staple given its a quality dog food but adding some regular real food can improve your dogs health over the long term. After all the current worlds oldest dog’s owners attribute his long life to giving him a bit of real food every day!

Read Dog Food: You Are What You Eat for some easy tips on how to improve your dog’s diet with some very simple additions that you already have in the kitchen.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach 2009

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