Hi Friends!
There are many different things we need to watch out for with our dogs over the holidays (turkey skin, ornaments, chocolates, unfamiliar guests, etc.)… So, we have ourselves prepared with what not to do.
Now we ask – What can we do
with our dogs?
- Exercise! It gets dark out earlier and the weather is becoming colder. This makes us feel like staying in and bundling up more, but our dogs still have energy to burn! Dress warm and go out for a walk, take your dog to the park, play fetch in the hallway. Most dogs will love the extra attention of a brisk walk crisp weather. I bet you’ll also feel better once you do it!
- Going out with friends? Why not invite them over to your house instead? You’ll be able to practice polite greeting skills with your dog, and save money at the same time! If your friends have a friendly and social dog, have them bring him/her along for a supervised play-date!
- Don’t forget your dog would like a holiday dinner too! Instead of giving him people food that might upset his tummy, buy him some premium quality dry or canned dog food – Turkey dinner for everyone!
- Teaching your dog to unwrap presents under the tree might not be the best idea, but you can still give him presents of his own! Put them in a stocking so he cannot reach them until you’re ready. When the family is occupied opening presents, your dog will have something special of his own. You’ll be able to work on two behaviors at once – You will be able to enjoy opening presents and spending time with the people in your family. Your dog won’t feel needy or left out, because he will have something special of his own to play with or chew!
- Trick Training! Yes, old dogs can learn new tricks! Spend a few minutes each evening with your dog teaching him a new trick. Roll over, fetch, shake, etc. Your dog will love the mental stimulation of learning something new, he will be receiving positive reinforcement from you (praise and treats!) and when your friends come over they will be so impressed with how smart he is!
- Dog Face holds classes where we work on good manners, and can even come to your house for a private lesson
to help get your dog ready for guests! Remember to include your four-legged friends during this holiday season… You might even get some warm, slobbery kisses for it!
to do with your dog this holiday season!
About Dog Face
Giene Keyes, CPDT – KA
Owner & Founder of Dog Face, LLC & Shooting Star Portuguese Water Dogs
Giene started working with dog behavior in 1990 when she adopted a 4-year old Greyhound from the racing track. To date he is the most severe separation anxiety case that she has seen. He taught Giene about the psyche and learning process of dogs. It wasn’t until Giene was training her little pot-bellied Labrador puppy in 1995 that she really became interested in the actual training process of canines. Starting her small training business in 1997 she developed her own methods and ideas of positive reinforcement. She took what she had learned from her Greyhound, as well as positive methods she used to train horses, to create what is now the base of our training methods in the classes we teach today.
Giene is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist in Southern Wisconsin. After winning Best of Madison for two years in a row, Giene sold her Madison Dog Daycare to devote her time to dog behavior and helping owners create harmony with their pets in their homes. Specializing in aggression and difficult dog cases, Giene also works with rescue groups and shelters, evaluating dogs for adoption, developing Canine Aggression Management programs, and educating staff on dog language and behaviors. She has provided behavior consultations for service dog organizations, rescue groups and dog daycares throughout the Midwest. She is often contacted by police departments to work with individuals that have dangerous dogs.
As a mother of 3 young children, Giene also realizes the importance of family dog training. She incorporates realistic training methods and helps to incorporate dogs into the family. She is an Instructor with the American Red Cross in Pet CPR and First Aid, a Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator with the American Kennel Club, and a Licensed Judge with the WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection. Giene routinely presents seminars on Dog Behavior, Training, and Operant Conditioning as well as educating her staff on dog body language and pack mentality.
Giene is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. Giene has been a regular guest on popular Madison radio shows and interviewed on numerous evening newscasts. Giene has also been featured in a number of local magazines, including the cover for Wisconsin Woman in 2010. Giene has also been highlighted in the Wisconsin State Journal for her work with Chicken Clicker Training, improving dog training skills along with timing and observation, and recently interviewed for a Nationwide Podcast. She enjoys holding training workshops across the state.
If you would like to learn more about Giene, Dog Face and the services they offer, please go to the Dog Face web site at www.DogFacePet.com. Please feel free to contact Giene of any member of the Dog Face Behavior Team anytime!
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