Interactive Toys

Rubber Ball with Throwing Handle – 3-pack This bouncy rubber ball has a 30 cm cord with handle attached so you can always stay in control. Perfect for tug-of-war chase or good old-fashioned fetch – this toy is a canine classic! Ball is approx. 6cm in diameter cable is approx. 30cm. Colour may differ from photo. £1.99 GBP

Pull and Turn Dog Game - Is your dog bored by the bad weather outside or hasn´t moved enough due to health problems? Would you like to challenge your dog´s intelligence? Than take a look here! The base of the game is made of MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) and the turning block is made of natural wood. In the base under the turning block there is a drawer with a hollowed out space for treats. The grip on the drawer is made of a strong and durable rope. In the turning block there is a hole for treats with a connection to the drawer in the base. Your dog has to first turn the turning block until it makes a clicking sound and the treat falls through the hole into the drawer. Then he or she can pull the drawer out and enjoy the treat. Please be sure to only use small treats so that they don´t get caught when the drawer is pulled open. Hold the board during the games so that your dog doesn´t slide it around the floor. Please do not ever leave your pet alone with an intelligence game. Intelligence games are intended for use together with pet and owner. Please supervise this game at all times to make sure your dog doesn´t swallow any small parts. Dimensions Length approx. 19 cm width approx. 19 cm height approx. 12 cm Turning block Ø approx. 12cm Hole Ø ca. 2.5 cm Drawer length approx. 19 cm width approx. 9 cm £16.90 GBP

Stuff’n Paste for Kong Toys Puppy Kong Stuff’N Pastes Makes stuffing Kongs easy! Simply apply a small amount to the inside surface of a Kong toy or in the grooves of a Kong dental toy to keep your dog busy and content. Also works great as a training treat or anytime treat. Convenient dispenser. Contains no peanut allergens. Kong Stuff’N Paste Puppy Treat is a specially formulated chicken treat for puppies eight weeks and older. Adult dogs love it too! $5.99 USD

Kong Stuff’N Snaps for Kong Toys PEANUT Specially designed for stuffing into the Tuffy Kong® – put a snap in the bottom of the Kong® and when the snap is bitten the smaller piece falls inside so your dog has to work to get it out. Also works great as an anytime treat. All natural with no preservatives, human-grade ingredients. Size: 11-oz. Also available in minis (#101411) $6.99 USD

Wild Bunch Dog Toy – Leopard – 23 in. Wild bunch dog toys are riddled with sensory stimulation and were made for wild play times with your pet. The soft, plush toys squeak and crinkle as the dog plays, and the springing bungee action of the legs makes for some wonderful, wacky playtime! $13.99 USD

Astrobone Dog Chew Toy – Roast Turkey – Large – 8 in. Astrobone Chews are made of flexible, durable nontoxic, non-staining new material (thermoplastic polymer). With added roast turkey flavor, they’re created with a texture and taste to last for hours! $6.89 USD

Plush Squeaker Dog Toy – Fernando Frog – 11 in. Fernando Frog’s soft, squeaky body will have your dog jumping for joy! The plush pet toy is perfect for pups large and small. $4.99 USD

Flappy Floatie – Medium Flappy Dog toys appeal to the natural intuition and instincts of our dogs to retrieve and carry prey. These vibrant toys simulate that mouth-feel for hours of fun. These tough toys encourage sporting behaviors like fetch and retrieve and are built for long lively play sessions. The Floatie Flappy toy is made of tough, buoyant material ideal for water play, and water sporting dogs like retrievers. $4.29 – $6.29 USD

Clucky McChick Dog Toy – 9 in. x 4 in. x 8 in. Clucky McChick is tougher than he looks, and ready for a rough and tumble time! Mighty Dog toys rethink durability and approach it from a new angle. These tough toys are constructed of several double-stitched layers of flexible material that move with the dog’s teeth instead of tearing. The shell is soft, yet durable, sherpa style fleece. Mighty toys are mighty tough and mighty fun! $15.99 USD

Deluxe Squeaky Squigglers Dog Toy – Moose Deluxe Squeaky Squigglers are chock full of flapping fun! But as an added bonus, the body contains a tennis ball, double stitched in for added toughness. Each long, flappy nylon foot has a squeaker in the foot. These critters are crafted of durable nylon and soft plush and they’re ready to entertain. $6.99 USD

Dogsavers Retriever Dog Toy – Small – 7 in. The Dogsaver Retriever is the perfect toy for tossing, flinging and chewing! These bright candy-colored toys are constructed of super durable synthetic rubber, ideal for medium chewers and rambunctious fetchers. It even floats for fun summer water games! Comes in five assorted colors (no choice). $4.99 USD

$4.99 USD

StarMark Far Fetch Launch balls farther than ever before with the new Far Fetch! The handle is ergonomically designed and the telescoping arm offers four adjustable lengths for variable distance throwing. It’s easy for anyone to pick up a ball off the ground without bending over and throw it up to the length of a football field! Handle length ranges from 17″ – 26″. Comes packaged with one medium Fantastic Foam Ball. The Fantastic Foam Ball is made from a virtually indestructible patented material. It throws up to 30% farther than a tennis ball, and it’s safer on teeth and gums. Soft enough for indoor play and perfect for puppies. Super bouncing action and floats in water. Fantastic Foam Ball medium size is 2.5″ diameter. This product is shipped to us in an assortment of colors. Color may vary. $11.99 USD

Planet PETCO Sheep/Dog Ball Dog Toys (7″ Length) Planet PETCO Sheep/Dog Ball Dog ToysOur Eco-Friendly Planet PETCO Sheep/Dog Ball Dog Toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic materials. These cool natural toys include a squeaker and different chewing materials for added doggie fun! Additionally, these are the perfect toys for an interactive toss and fetch game that helps promote a special pet parent and pet bond.Offered in assorted styles. Please allow us to select for you. $7.99 USD

Boomer Jackeroo – Size: 14 cm Extremely durable toy made of solid rubber. Solid rubber means that aside from all the fun your pet has playing with it the Jackaroo is also massaging his teeth and gums at the same time. The shape of the Boomer Jackaroo makes the toy jump and bounce around unpredictably. That gets your pup moving! The vanilla scent makes the toy especially pleasant for chewing on too. Color may differ from photo. £6.39 GBP

Bottle Buddies Dog Toy – Dog Bottle Buddies toys are set to drive your dog crazy with fun! Just insert a plastic water or soda bottle into the plush shell and the fun begins. Your dog will go nuts for the crackling sound and he’ll play for hours, tossing, chewing and chasing! This is a fun way to recycle some of those used plastic bottles! $5.39 USD

Huck’ems Dog Toy – Duck – Large Adorable Huck’ems are great for a day at the park or a day at the beach. These durable nylon tossing toys have a heavy ball in the head and an aerodynamic design to fly far! They’ll stand up to hours of tough play and they float for water fun too! $8.99 USD

The Flying Star Plus + Grip Control

allows you to throw the ball further and faster. The practical hand grip amplifies your range without having to exert large amounts of force. The Flying Star floats and can therefore be used anywhere outside. Flying Star comes with the following 2 Flying Star balls made of foam rubber with a latex pull-strap 1 Grip-Control Photos Attention Actual color of product may vary from picture. Tip Almost no dog toy is indestructable always monitor your dog while playing with this toy so your pet does not bite off and swallow any parts. £7.49 GBP Dog Toy Flying Star Plus – 2 Balls + Grip

Select Grille Rawhide Pressed Bone

Tastier and easier to digest than beef rawhide. Toughens gums and reduces plaque and tartar buildup while satisfying your dog’s natural urge to chew. Basted.8.5″ (Single)

Sizes:
4″ (4 Pack)
6″ (2 Pack)

Our Price: $1.99

Buy Select Grille Rawhide Pressed Bones

Otis and Claude Bettie Fetch Toy

Otis and Claude Bettie Fetch ToyO keeps pets on their paws with the unique erratic bounces. It’ll provide your pooch with hours of fun and exercise. Bettie Fetch toy is perfect for playing by the waters or tossing around in the park. The triple prong shape is great for a game of fetch or tug-o-war. The hollow legs allows you to stuff tasty treats for an extra reward to pets. Constructed of durable,non-toxic, high performance rubber and plastic.

Available in assorted fun and vibrant colors.

Bettie Fetch Toy Tail Waggin

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

I found this page posted on a Goldendoodle breeders site, Tropoco Kennels and found that it had a lot of really useful information for people looking to buy a Goldendoodle or any breed of puppy for that matter..

Check this out: Buyers Beware

Below is an excerpt from her post:

“Just because you find a breeder on a so-called “Premium Breeders List”, doesn’t mean all the breeders on there are ethical. The breeders all pay to advertise. Last I heardGoldendoodles.com was charging $500 a year to advertise on their web site. None of those web sites inspect the breeders facilities to be sure the breeders are what they claim. I even caught a breeder using pictures of one of my dogs on their web site and when I alerted the Premium Breeders List and also Goldendoodles.com, because that breeder advertises on both of those web sites (or at least they did at that time), neither of those web site owners did anything about it. They didn’t remove that breeder, even though that breeder was caught red-handed with a picture of MY dog on their web site. The breeder even stated on their web site that it was their dog and the mother to their puppies and get this, the dog was a MALE! Yes MY dog and a MALE”!

A good example of a web site that I myself would stay away from, when I called them I found out that they tack on their commission to the cost of the dog. I’ve also been told that you don’t get any information about the breeder until AFTER you buy your puppy, but even then I’m not sure that you get any information about the breeder at all. So in my opinion I’d consider them DOG BROKERS, because they are selling the puppies for the breeder, you are not in direct contact with the breeder. Where most other web sites, like the ones we advertise on, they do not sell our puppies for us, they just allow us to advertise on their web site. We are always in direct contact with the customer.

This company has many different domain names depending on the breed and the area they are marketing to:

http://www.californiagoldendoodlepuppies.com

http://www.oregongoldendoodlebreeders.com

http://www.washingtongoldendoodlebreeders.com

I was shocked when I read the above information because I personally had visited both of the oregongoldendoodlebreeders.com and the goldendoodles.com websites and because of their professional website.. I probably would of fallen into their hands myself. I’m grateful I found local breeders who I personally continue to have a relationship with. I feel lucky.

A lot more states could do a good thing by following the lead of Washington state.

On New Year’s Day, a new law took effect in Washington that’s designed to eliminate puppy mills by establishing tougher standards for dog breeders.

According to the Associated Press, the state’s legislature approved the law last spring after a number of puppy mills were discovered. The law makes it illegal to own or possess more than 50 dogs capable of breeding and over the age of six months. There are also guidelines for taking care of dogs, including the size of their cages, temperature and cleanliness.

Also, if a breeder has 10 or more dogs at any one time, each dog must have adequate time and space to exercise.

To me.. this still is not strict enough! If it were up to me it would be no more then 10 breeding dogs and they must all be in family homes which is totally do-able if a breeder uses Guardian Homes for some of their breeding dogs.  Which you can learn more about on some of the breeders websites that use this for example Sound Labradoodles and Darby Park Doodles

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

Our Puppies are Here!!

I’m happy to report that our Standard Poodle Daisy Doodle had her first Goldendoodle this morning at 7am and was in labor until 11:45! She had 7 beautiful Goldendoodles! 3 Girls and 4 Boys. All 100% black!! I was surprised to say the least and excited!  I’ve personally never seen an all black Goldendoodle in person..however I have seen them on google.com and they’re awesome looking and I can just imagine if they have Daisy’s amber eyes how beautiful they’ll be.   I was surprised by the fact that it was an ALL black litter considering the Sire was a light Golden Retriever and Daisy is a Chocolate Poodle and her Mother was a cafe alatte color.

I’ll post pictures as soon as I have them uploaded.

Make sure to visit www.Dreamydoodles.com for more updates on this litter of Doodles!

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

Cassie the Golden Doodle learned how to skateboard after less than a week of training. Cassie’s owner Richard Maguire has been training animals for over 35 years. She loves to skateboard and is getting better each day. Watch both videos!

It is official we’ve started out breeding program. Daisy our beautiful chocolate standard poodle was bred to a champion AKC Golden Retriever, “Lucky” and we will be having a litter of Goldendoodles the first week of August.

I’ve started a website for our breeding program called Dreamydoodles.com.

Please feel free to visit and watch this amazing journey of life. I will be posting pictures as we go through the pregnancy, delivery etc..

Daisy and Lucky on their way to meet each other..

Visit Dreamydoodles.com for more info on the litter born Aug 12, 2010!

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

Glocoat Conditioner

Buy Glocoat Dog Conditioner –
Dog Conditioner

Current Sales, Specials & Promotions: Spend $75 on Grooming Items at ohmydogsupplies.com and Get a $7.50 Discount!

Rejuvenate Dog Conditioner

BOTH my Doodles have been entered into the Cutest Doodle Contest at http://www.cutestdoodlecontest.com/ and the winners will be added to The 2011 Cutest Doodle Calendar! So please visit the links below and vote ASAP! You can vote every 2 hours. I won’t say you have to vote for my puppies but we can use all the votes we can get and I’d love to see one of them in a calendar that would be so cool. Enter your doodles! It’s free to enter and they’d be added to contest in July!

THE WELOVEDOODLES CONTESTANTS

	Teddy II – Aussiedoodle Teddy Bear is an Aussiedoodle from Oregon Aussiedoodles. Teddy is funny and cute and full of personality! He turned 1 this month! His owners even dedicated a website to him.. www.welovedoodles.com CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR TEDDY!!!
	Toby – Goldendoodle Toby is a Goldendoodle and Lover. He’s the best dog we’ve ever owned. He’s sweet and big and your best friend. Visit Toby at www.welovedoodles.com CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR TOBY!!!

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

Have you ever wondered what the best dog food is for your dog? Well this should help you next time you go to the pet store to buy your dog their food. I think you’ll be surprised by the scores some of the most popular brands received..good and bad. For example.. Pro Plan Natural Turkey & Barley got an A+ while Pro Plan All Breed got an F and Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies also got an F, Solid Gold got all high scores and Iams got a big fat D for Damn. Costco’s brand – Kirkland Signature which both my dogs breeders feed their dogs got an A+ – Costco here I come!

See what your dogs food scored.. Dog Food Grades

The Best of the Best

All the Dog food bags below scored an A..click the bags for more info!

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

The Earthling Movie

I just finished watching a documentary called Earthlings that contains the most abominable acts of cruelty towards animals that I have ever seen. It is horrible.

It’s hard to believe that this important documentary has been available for more than a year on DVD. I am so thankful to have come across it, and I hope that all of our readers take time to view it.

To view the entire feature length documentary, narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix, scroll down and click the play button on the video screen that follows. Be warned, though, that this documentary contains gruesome footage that was captured by hidden cameras.

Even though it is hard to watch I believe it is important that we all fully understand how humans have and do treat animals everyday in our world. I think the more we know the more likely we will make better decisions in our daily lives and maybe someone will even be touched in such a way to actually make a difference. I honestly believe we all have the power to make a difference by not supporting the corporate food industry.

I think it’s important to teach our children how amazing animals are and to how we need to treat them all with respect and kindness. I know most people who read my blog love animals so you might think that is silly common sense but after you watch this movie you’ll question that concept yourself.. does everyone think like you and me? No. Sad as it is a lot of people think of animals as less then objects to be used for medical experiments, food, entertainment and worse.

Watch Earthlings

Initially ignored by distributors, today EARTHLINGS is considered the definitive animal rights film by organizations around the world. “Of all the films I have ever made, this is the one that gets people talking the most,” said Phoenix. “For every one person who sees EARTHLINGS, they will tell three.”

EARTHLINGS is nicknamed “the Vegan maker” for its sensitive footage. Is Veganisim the answer? Maybe, maybe not but it is an option to consider if you want to make a difference.

Food Inc.

Another amazing and eye opening documentary that you might want to watch is called Food Inc. and this movie has made me and my husband stop eating at fast food restaurants and seriously question everything we eat.

I highly recommend that everyone watch this movie and Yes, these documentaries may be extreme but in my opinion they’re honest, action provoking and way over due. I think we all need to lift the velvet curtains and take a hard look and get real with ourselves when it comes to what we eat, where it comes from and how it’s produced.

Is this how we want to be? Our earth, our kids, our animals?

WATCH FOOD INC. ONLINE or you can also try watch-movies-online.tv

What can I do?

Support your LOCAL farmers. Know where your food comes from. Educate yourself.

Reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act

Support healthy food choices in schools

Sign the Petition

Watch 2 angry Moms. For more information visit us at www.angrymoms.org

Cesar Millan and HIS Pack of dogs..

Victoria Stilwell and Cesar Millan are currently two of the most popular dog trainers in America, if not in the world. Both of them have their own tried and true methods of training. There is a lot of debate online and in the media on whether Cesar Millan’s methods are outdated and cruel.
So the questions is, If you had a dog with behavior issues who would you call?

So, this debate is very popular online and so while in the process of training my 3 dogs I downloaded and watched all of Victoria Stilwell’s shows “It’s Me Or the Dog”.. and all of  Caesar’s shows,  I’ve seen almost every single episode of every season (yes it took me awhile) but now I think I’m pretty familiar with both of their techniques and I can have an educated discussion. I want to hear what you think?

Victoria Stilwell and her pack..of other people’s dogs

I liked both shows ALOT and for different reasons and I use both of their techniques for different situations.. I like Cesar’s concepts like his exercise, discipline, affection rules. Victoria also preaches how important exercise is and I think both of them honestly believe that most behavior issues can be treated if not cured with more exercise.

I personally would never use alpha rolls but I’ve seen them be useful with some of his “red-zone” cases which basically means the dog wants to kill another dog and that really is the only time I’ve seen him use the alpha roll.

I think Ceasar can sense or “feel” what a dog is feeling and like he says he’s not a dog trainer, he’s a Dog Psychologist. He also lives with his own pack of 45 dogs! So, he might just know a little something about pack behavior and dog behavior in general. I think Ceasar is a macho Hispanic man and that is obvious but I think he’s also genuine and I like him. I think he cares about the dogs and you can see that he puts a lot of time into trying to fully understand the family dynamic and in helping these families and these dogs.

I think the pack walk training is pure common sense.. When I learned how to use calm assertive energy when training my dogs it was like a light went on in my brain and I was enlightened by the simplicity of it.. why? Because it worked. I walked my husband through how to do it and we were both able to calmly walk our dogs together for the first time with no pulling. I also taught my 12 year old and my 10 year old the concept of pack leaders and they understood right away what it meant.. it’s so basic and natural feeling and it does work. Dogs don’t follow nervous submissive energy. Dogs follow calm assertive energy.

I’ve also used treats and the clicker (which is what Victoria uses) to train my dogs – sit, down, stay, roll over etc..and YES! it works very well. But when you take away the treats.. and the clicker.. it’s not as easy to keep them “trained”.
You have to consistently go back to the clicker and the treats to refresh they’re active minds..(tap into their food drive). Haha! I’d prefer that they listen to me because they respect me and desire my approval and affection not because they want a food reward.

The clicker and treats however did not work when it came to jumping on us, digging, chewing, biting or a host of other behaviors that can be helped using corrections and simple pack leader dominance. Not hitting or kicking or “alpha rolls” just calm assertive leadership with firm and quick corrections such as Ceasar’s “bite like” touch and his “shh” sound aversion technique which Victoria also uses. At least Ceasars “Shh!” sound is better then the “Ehh Ehh” sound which seems to be very popular with Victoria and ALOT of other people in the dog training world and that sound just so happens to drive me insane and obviously dogs hate it too. Ha!

Victoria also uses sound aversion a lot. Like putting speakers and a video camera in the house of a dog owner and then buzzing a loud buzzer when the dog is caught getting into the kitchen cupboards… but who’s going to do this in real life? Not me. I don’t have the equipment or the time to do that and most people don’t. That is all for TV.

So, I like them both for different purposes and I have a lot of respect for both for different reasons but given the chance I’d personally call Cesar in a heartbeat before Victoria and only because I think in my case he’d be the more useful to me and my pack of dogs plus I get his technique and I’d be more then excited to learn more from him and to hear his input on my pack..

How To Raise The Perfect Dog – On Hulu.com

- Cesar goes back to basics, adopting four adorable pups, and films them living with him and his pack for their first eight months.

Online Links

Here are some links that discuses this debate..some of them are anti-Ceasar and some of them are not.. I just wanted to try and present both sides of the argument and to show just how heated it has become and how strongly people feel one way or the other.

Dr. Yin addresses The Dominance Controversy and Cesar Millan. (some people here really disagreed with this article)

A SAMPLE FROM DR. YIN’S WEBSITE: Back 20 years ago when I started training,
dominance training was the type of advice I gave because it was all I knew. At that time,
like everyone else, the choke chain and pinch collar and a well-timed correction formed
the cornerstone of my methods. Combined with a strong ability to read aggressive dogs, a
lack of fear of being bitten, and fervor for trying to master the techniques of whomever I
could, these methods served me well. Since then, our understanding of dog behavior in
relation to wolves, as well as our understanding of dominance and social hierarchies has
advanced. Wolf biologists now rarely use the term alpha when referring to pack leaders
in the wild and agree that dominant wolves do not force subordinates into an alpha roll.

Victoria Stilwell or Cesar Millan: Who would you call?

Victoria Stilwell “It’s Me or the Dog” – Anti-Stilwell

The Dominance Controversy and Cesar Millan

CESAR MILLAN’S SUCCESS FORMULA “THE DOG WHISPERER” (PDF)
By Judy Huston

What I Learned About Spirituality from the Dog Whisperer (PDF)

Don’t be the boss be the pack leader by Crystal Dogs Blog

Leader is not a 4-letter word! by Melanie Schlaginhaufen

PLUS… a PDF on mastering the walk by Ceasar Millan

Ceasars PDF – Honor the Being – Master the Walk Checklist and Chart (1 of 2)

Official Websites

• Victoria Stilwell - http://www.victoriastilwell.com/
• Cesar Millan – http://www.cesarsway.com/

Here is an adorable dog breed that looks A LOT like a Doodle. The Lagotto Romagnolo has hair not fur.. so like the Poodle they DO NOT shed. You just Gotta Love a non-shedding dog! This breed was recently featured on
Dogs 101 – Rare Breeds click to watch the video at Animal Planet.

This rare breed is so cute, cuddly and great with kids. The Lagotto Romagnolo is so rare, there are only about 500 in the United States!

Lagotto’s Size

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• HEIGHT: 14-19 inches
• WEIGHT: 25-35 pounds

Character

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The Lagotto is an intelligent breed, easy to train, with a cheerful disposition,  and is loyal and attached to its owner. If properly socialized it is not dog-aggressive or a danger to other household pets. Once used as a hunter, that instinct has been bred out, nevertheless it loves to search for things, for example truffles (an edible fungi.) The Lagotta needs to be exercised, but it also needs to have its mind exercised – by playing hide-and-seek, for example. They take to obedience training very easily. The Lagotto has tremendous concentration, and a very well-developed sense of smell.
The name Lagotto derives, then, from its original “career” as a water dog. In the local dialect of the
Romagna “Càn Lagòt” is synonymous with “water dog” or “wetland hunting dog with crimped, curly
coat”.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an excellent apartment dog – as long as it can be taken for walks at least 3-4 times a day. They will prefer a yard, of course, but be aware that the Lagotto is a digger, so if you have a garden of any kind, they need to be protected.

History

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The Lagotto is an ancient breed, which originated in Italy in the 16th century in order to retrieve water fowl from the northeastern area of Italy known as Romagna. As the waterfowl disappeared in their area, they began to be used to find truffles. Truffles, being the most expensive food per ounce in the world, are more valuable than gold. The Lagotto Romagnolo is possibly the only breed with this kind of talent for finding truffles. They also make excellent companion dogs.

Gallery

A TRUFFLE HUNTING DOG?  WHAT ARE TRUFFLES?

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Just in case you’re curious.. and don’t know (like me)…

Video: Truffle hunting Lagotto

Truffles are difficult to find and very expensive as a result! In 1994, black truffles sold for $350 to $500 a pound.

A truffle (pronounced /ˈtrʌfəl/) is a fungal fruiting body that develops underground and relies on mycophagy for spore dispersal. Almost all truffles are ectomycorrhizal and are therefore usually found in close association with trees.

There are hundreds of species of truffles, but the fruiting body of some (mostly in the genus Tuber) are highly prized as a food. The 18th-century French gastronome Brillat-Savarin called these truffles “the diamond of the kitchen”. Edible truffles are held in high esteem in French, Spanish, northern Italian and Croatian cooking, as well as in international haute cuisine.

Lagotto Romagnolo Links

• Lagotto romagnolo ROMAGNA WATER DOG
• www.Lagotto.info
• Lagotto Club of America

Lagotto Kennels

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Name: Suzi Giannoni

Location: Cordele, Georgia, USA

Kennel: Lagotto Romagnolo Italiano

Website: www.Lagottogeorgia.com

Phone: (229) 273-9798 (H),  (229) 322-5757 (C)

Name: Marij Koster

Location: The Netherlands

Kennel: Romakome

Website: www.lagotto-romagnolo.nl

Name: Deb Lee

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Kennel name: Deelee Lagotto Romagnolos
Website: www.Deeleelagotto.com

Name: Judith Martin
Location: Arizona, USA
Kennel Name: Shivaree Wheaten Terriers and Lagotto Romagnolo
Website: www.lagottoaz.com

Name: Jim Sanford

Location: Walland, Tennessee, USA

Website: www.blackberryfarm.com

Name: Guadalupe Ramirez and Therese Williams

Location: Ferndale, WA  USA

Kennel : Montagna del Mare

Website: www.Montagnadelmare.com

Name: Laura Tanos
Location: Hungary
Kennel Name: Regun
Website: www.Lagotto.hu

Name: Bob Zemmel
Location: Deep River, CT, USA
Kennel Name: Buonamici Lagotto
Website: www.LagottoAmerica.com

They call themselves Rescue Ink.

A new show on National Geographic..

In their mission statement, they profess their dedication to protecting animal rights: “We will stop at nothing within the bounds of the law to protect animals at risk. We will intercede without hesitation when we are informed of a situation that needs to be addressed, and we will address it. If we need to convince people to do the right thing … we can be very convincing, we’ll even buy animals if that’s what it takes to get them away from abusers.” [The Sun & Rescue Ink]

RESCUE INK is a rescue group unlike any you’ve seen before: a bunch of tattooed, motorcycle-riding tough guys who have joined together to fight animal cruelty, educate abusers and help resolve situations other rescue groups can’t – or won’t – handle themselves.
Some of the guys grew up in the projects, some had their brushes with the law, some used their smarts to survive, even thrive on the streets. But that was then, this is now, and today they all share a common goal: Using every means within the thin boundaries of the law, they persuade and educate abusers about the right way to treat animals.

READ MORE ABOUT THE RESCUE INK CAST

Like many of the animals they save, the members of Rescue Ink know what it’s like to be given a second chance in life. And they’re using theirs to help the animals, no matter what it takes.

What makes them so effective? Take a look. Would you mess with these guys?

Ok, maybe they don’t look so mean after all..

NEXT AIRING:

MONDAY FEBRUARY 15

It’s a Cruel, Cruel World

Rescue Ink comes to the assistance of a U.S. war veteran and his pit bulls; the guys are called in on a wild hen (and rooster!) chase in Queens; and they confront a man accused of shooting stray cats with a pellet gun.

Donate: Rescue Ink P.O. Box 465 Long Beach, NY 11561

Rescue Ink TV Show – Hunting down a Dog Killer

The Coolest Dog Tags

Fish Bowl Cat Tag Price: 12.00 Goldfish from the carnival.	Beef Allergy Tag Price: 9.00 If you are allergic to beef, this allergy tag will let everyone know about your special need. Or maybe you´re a vegetarian?	Gluten Allergy Tag Price: 9.00 If you or a loved one have a gluten allergy, this allergy tag will let everyone know about your special need.
Pinwheels Pet Tag Price: 14.95 On the 10th day Moses said “Let there be pinwheels.”	Beef and Gluten Medical Alert Jewelry Price: 9.00 This Medical Alert Jewelry for Beef and Gluten Allergies will let people know your special need when, and if, the need arises.	Got Bone Tag Price: 14.95 Thanks to Clark Mackey of Sparkdog, an Asheville SEO specialist, for the inspiration on this tag.
Campfire Dog Tag Price: 14.95 Let’s go camping Dad…ahhh, come on!	Argyle Dog Tag Price: 14.95 This is a simple but elegant design for a tag… good stuff. The American Eagle dog.	Mountain Bike DogTag Price: 14.95 For dogs that love a good ride!
Bling Diamond Tag Price: 9.00 A little ice for a great price.	Dinosuar Pet ID Tag Price: 9.00 A cute little monster for your cute little monster.	Sequoyah Cherokee Price: 9.00 Show some love. This guy created the Cherokee syllabary, making reading and writing in the Cherokee language possible.
Koi Cat Tag Price: 14.95 Because there is nothing ironic about a kitty wearing fish.	Maneki Neko Cat Tag Price: 14.95 This “lucky cat” is a cat tag that will bring luck wherever it goes.	OM Dog Tag Price: 14.95 OOOOOMMMMM OOOOOOMMMMMMM

A Goldendoodle enjoying agility with his owner

It’s a proven fact that all dogs are better behaved when they are involved in activities. Activities to exercise both their minds and their bodies.

A BORED dog is often a mischievous dog, and some can even become destructive dogs. Chewing, digging and barking are common outlets for bored dogs.

You might want to take a look at the list below to see if there’s a dog sport or activity that you’d be interested in doing with your dog. You can also check to see what’s available for you and your dog in your local area.

These links are meant to provide information to others who may be looking for activities that they can participate in with their canine companion.

Websites Dedicated to Dog Sports:

• Dogsportmagazine.com – A website/Magizine dedicated to dog sports.
• DogPlay.com – a website dedicated to all the different activities and sports you can do with your dog with tons of information. Links below.

Dog Games, Sports and Fun Ideas

Here is a list of sports and activities you can do with your dog. For more info and links to sites that offer help.. please use the links listed below the list from Dogplay.com

1. Obedience Training – Beyond learning the basic commands, if your dog loves to learn, you can go on to compete in obedience trials. Your dog can earn obedience titles, and awards. You can work with other dog loving people and their pets. Getting Started in Obedience
2. Agility - Your dog will learn to maneuver through an obstacle course of jumps, poles, ramps, tunnels, and other equipment. The course is determined ahead of time, and the dog must run the course (off leash) in the correct order from start to finish. You may communicate with your dog by clapping, talking or signaling to help them through the course
3. Go Fetch -
   • Disc Dogs – Disc dog competitions are becoming more and more popular. Some of the best disc dogs in the world are mixed breed dogs, but Retrievers, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds also excel at this sport. But just for fun any dog can do it, if they enjoy it.
   • Flyball – Dogs work on relay teams jumping a series of hurdles to release a ball, and retrieve it. They return over the jumps.
   • Retrieving – Some dogs are born to hunt. Let them build on their natural ability by training them to retrieve, and entering them in retrieving trials.
4. Dog parks/ Take a walk – Walking with your dog can be great exercise for both of you. There are many parks that are designed specifically for our four legged friends. Some of the parks even allow you to walk with your dog off leash. Some are enclosed, and some are open.
5. Hiking and Camping – Camping with a dog (or dogs) can be a joyous experience for both owner and dog. Dogs discover interesting features you might otherwise overlook, and a dog is thrilled at the new smells and sites of a camp site. You will see new characteristics in your dog when you are camping with him or her (or them); my dogs walk a little faster, open their eyes a little wider, and raise their heads a little more high when we’re out in the wilds. Unlike hiking, your dog does not have to be in the best physical shape to go camping, and you can take more supplies with you than you can when hiking.
6. Earth-dog Trial – AKC earthdog tests are intended as noncompetitive venues in which the handlers may gauge the small, short legged terriers natural hunting aptitude. These dogs were bred to hunt vermin and other quarry which lived in underground dens. Earthdog den trials involve man-made underground tunnels that the dogs must negotiate, while scenting a rat, the “quarry.” The dog must follow the scent to the quarry and then “work” the quarry. Depending on the sanctioning organization, “working” means barking, scratching, staring, pawing, digging; any active behavior. The quarry is protected at all times by wooden bars across the end of the tunnel.
7. Tracking – All dogs have the ability to track. The purpose of a Tracking Test is would be to demonstrate the dog’s ability to recognize and follow human scent, a skill that is useful in the service of mankind. Tracking, by nature, is a vigorous, noncompetitive outdoor sport. Tracking tests demonstrate the willingness and enjoyment of the dog in its work, and should always represent the best in sportsmanship and camaraderie by the people involved.
8. Teach your dog a new trick – Teach your dog to do some fun tricks like rolling over, or balancing a biscuit on their nose.  Most dogs love to learn new tricks, and show them off for some love, or a treat.
9. Pet Therapy – In recent years, the experts have been relying on pet therapy as a valuable aid in reaching out to the elderly, the infirm, and to ill or abused children through-out the country. Therapy animals go to convalescent homes, hospitals, day care centers, juvenile halls, and prisons. Pet Therapy is not for all dogs, but if you have a well socialized, well-trained dog, pet therapy can be a very rewarding activity.
10. Drill Team – If you’re looking for something fun to do with your dog and know at least one other person looking to do the same, you may want to start a canine drill team. Read more at: Canine Drill Teams: Fun for You and Your Dog
    
11. Herding – If you want to work with your dog for fun or to have help on a farm or ranch, teaching your dog how to herd may be just the sport for you. Certain breeds have been bred to herd sheep or cattle over the centuries and will take to the sport quickly. But there are some dogs you might not expect that can also excel at herding…Dog Herding Info
12. Harness and pulling activities – There is little doubt that some dogs just love to pull. They like to be out it front and they aren’t the least bothered by putting quite a bit of effort into it. Click here for More Links.
    • Carting – Your dog is hooked to a cart or a wagon to pull. The cart can range in size from very small, for a toy breed, to a cart that can pull a child for larger breeds.
    • Sled Dogs – Any breed of dog can be a sled dog, especially if it is just for fun and exercise. Malamutes, and Huskies excel at this activity, but it does not mean that other breeds won’t enjoy it. You can train one dog or a team of dogs to pull the sled.
    • Skijoring – Skijoring with a dog is a sport in which a dog (or dogs), assist a cross-country skier. From one to three dogs are commonly used. The cross-country skier provides power with skis and poles, and the dog adds additional power by running and pulling. The skier wears a skijoring harness, the dog wears a sled dog harness, and the two are connected by a length of rope. There are no reins or other signaling devices to control the dog: The dog must be motivated by its own desire to run, and respond to the owner’s voice for direction.
    • Rollerblading – Rollerblading with your dog allows you to get exercise and bond with your pet at the same time. This activity requires excellent rollerblading skills and an obedient, well-trained dog, as well as coordination and the ability to think fast on your feet. With advance planning, proper equipment and consideration for your own needs, as well as those of your pet, rollerblading with your pooch can be rewarding for both of you.



13. Dog Coursing and Racing – Lure Coursing is a humane sport which attempts to imitate the coursing of the rabbit or hare by sighthounds but without the hare. Dogs chase an artificial lure, usually a white kitchen garbage bag, sometimes tanned rabbit skins, or fake fur strips.
    
14. Dog scootering is a sport where one or more dogs pull a human riding an unmotorized kick scooter. It is similar to mushing, which is done in the winter, but generally with fewer dogs and with a scooter instead of a dogsled. The dogs wear the same harnesses that sled dogs wear, and are hooked to the scooter with a gangline. The gangline usually incorporates a bungie to smooth out the shocks of speeding up and takeoff. Most of the same commands are used, although dog scooterers tend to be more relaxed about their commands, sometimes using “right” and “left” instead of “gee” and “haw”, for example.
15. Schutzhund (German for protection dog) -  is a dog sport that was developed in Germany in the early 1900s to test whether German Shepherds exhibit the traits necessary for police-type work, rather than simply evaluating a dog’s appearance. Today, many breeds other than German Shepherds can compete in Schutzhund, but it is a demanding test for any dog and few are able to pass successfully. 
16. Conformation shows, also referred to as breed shows, are a kind of dog show in which a judge familiar with a specific dog breed evaluates individual purebred dogs for how well the dogs conform to the established breed type for their breed, as described in a breed’s individual breed standard. As the breed standard has only to do with the externally observable qualities of the dog such as appearance, movement, and temperament, separately tested for qualities such as tests for ability in specific work or dog sports, tests for genetic health, tests for general health or specific tests for inherited disease, or any other specific tests for characteristics that cannot be directly observed, are not part of the judging in conformation shows. When a dog has completed the necessary number of wins in conformation shows, and fulfilled any other conditions that may be required by the individual breed club or kennel club, the dog is said to have completed a conformation championship. The exact rules of conformation showing and requirements for championships vary with the regulating kennel club or breed club.
17. Field Trial - A field trial is a competitive event at which hunting dogs compete against one another. There are field trials for retrievers, pointing dogs and flushing dogs. Field trials are usually organized by kennel clubs or other gun dog organizations. Field trials are generally considered more competitive than hunt tests in that success at a field trial requires a higher level of training than success at a hunt test requires. For example, in Retriever Field Trials, dogs retrieve over longer distances with a more complex path than a Retriever Hunt Test would generally provide. Field trial dogs must be “finished” in order to enter. Their purpose is also different, as they exist mainly for breeders, while hunting tests are made for users.
18. Tracking trial -  is an event to encourage dogs to make use of their strongest facility, the ability to follow a scent trail. The competition emulates the finding of a lost person or article in a situation where the performance of the dog can be fairly assessed. Because of this, the tracks laid are straight-forward, not the wanderings that may characterize a lost person, nor do they include deliberate attempts by the tracklayer to deceive the dog.

INFO Links:

• Agility – in, out, over and through this sport is all about working as a team
• Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy – the warm head of a friendly pet can soothe a lonely heart
• Bikejoring – some dogs love to run. Adding the responsibility of teamwork adds to the fun.
• Canicross – dog powered running for those who want to share their running goals with their best friend
• Carting – channel the desire to pull into harness work that lets the dog feel useful and skilled
• Coursing and racing – root instinct drives the joy of running with purpose in coursing and racing
• Day trips and vacations – the dogs need not be left behind, bring them along for even more fun
• Disc Dog or Flying Disc – if there was ever meaning to jump for joy this is it, jumping with achievement
• Dock Jumping or Dock Diving – dogs who excel in this sport are love to show they can do it further and better
  also check out dock jumping at ukcdogs.com and splashdogs.com and tons of videos on Dockdogs.com
• Dog Camps – Activity Sampler – too many choices? take a vacation with your dog and sample a variety
• Dog Parks and Dog Walks: Socialization and Off-leash Play – a joy for the social dog, think tot lot
• Dog Scootering – some dogs love to run. Adding the responsibility of teamwork adds to the fun.
• Earthdog Trials – instinct, drive, and flying dirt – what more could an earthdog want
• Flyball – excitement, speed, and focus, a sport for dogs driven to do it faster
• Flygility – racing and teamwork to build confidence and a sense of belonging
• Games – the most basic of interactions, fun ways of practicing skills of hunting, fetching, working together
• Herding – it’s all about the dog’s instinct and desire to control and direct movement for the pack leader
• Hiking, Backpacking and Dog Walks – sharing our quiet moments, our contemplations is the essence of being a pack
• Hunt and Field Trials – working as a team is what drives these dogs
• Kids and Dogs – dogs and kids can be a wonderful pairing with a little learning to keep it safe and fun
• Mushing – for dogs who love to pull and people who want to let them
• Musical Freestyle – the ultimate in teamwork is working with rhythm and coordination
• Obedience – precision, focus and a great activity for perfectionist dogs, those who love to get it exactly right
• Performance Art (Tricks) – curiosity and a willingness to try new things makes this fun
• Pet Facilitated Therapy – for the dog who loves attention what better way to get it than visiting people in need
• Precision Drill Teams – the excitement of success, of meeting a challenge and being a part of the team
• Pulling – great for dogs who love to pull, and people who want to let them
• Racing – for the dogs who love not just running but being faster than the next one
• Rally Obedience – more focus on teamwork, less focus on precision, fun and relaxed for human and dog
• Ring Sport – a sport that says “I can be a contributing member of the family” Some dogs thrive on responsibility
• Rollerblade – a fun way for dogs and humans to share exercise and fresh air
• Schutzhund – tracking, obedience, protection, schutzhund is all about what a well rounded dog is all about
• Search and Rescue – for some making a difference is important, that includes dogs, they know it matters
• Skijoring
• Sledding
• Sniffer Dog
• Stock Dog Trials
• Tracking
• Visiting Pets
• Water Work
• Weight Pulling

More Dog Games:

• DOGOPOLY is the original “opoly” game for the pet lover in all of us.

Thanks to Dogplay.com for all the useful and great ideas and links.

Rescue Ink: How Ten Guys Saved Countless Dogs and Cats, Twelve Horses, Five Pigs, One Duck,and a Few Turtles

So now that I have 3 BIG dogs and all of them like to yank my arm off.. I have to find halters that will help us with the pulling. Below are all the halters that I’ve found online that I’ve been looking at but I have no clue which one to try yet! It’s really driving me crazy so I’m just gonna jump in and buy a couple. Some are way cheaper online then they are at Petsmart or Petco. I was surprised by just how much cheaper they are online! So far I’m really interested in the Sporn Halter and the Gentle Leader. I also read recently about the SENSE-ation No-Pull Dog Harness and that it works so maybe one of each to figure out which ones works best for us. I’ll make sure to let you all know when I figure it out. Wish me luck and please let me know if you have any GREAT advice or maybe you already went through this yourself and you have a favorite harness that I did or didn’t mention? Please let me know. Leave a comment below.  I definitely want harnesses not collars because Teddy and Toby will choke themselves rather then slow down *especially Teddy* and they could seriously hurt their throats.
I currently use just regular harnesses for all of them.

No-Pull Harnesses

SENSE-ation No-Pull Dog Harness Now Only: $27.99
The SENSE-ation Harness (sometimes called the Sensation Harness) is the original, patented front leash attachment harness that when used properly, greatly reduces dog pulling without choking, stress or otherwise harming your pet.The original SENSE-ation Harness is a no-pull dog harness that works wonders for positive reinforcement dog training, or just taking gentler walks with your pooch.

You can use this harness right away – there is no acclimation period. That is why the SENSE-ation is a favorite of positive reinforcement dog trainers and humane societies worldwide. Plus, all orders come with an easy to use instruction booklet.

Non-Pulling Mesh Harness Now Only: $13.99
The Sporn Mesh Control Harness stops even the hardest pullers in their tracks without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. The harness was ergonomically designed to “give” with your dog’s natural movements. All materials and components of this mesh harness are made of the highest quality nylon and nickel-plated hardware to reduce weathering.

Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness. Now Only: $24.99
Traditional harnesses can actually encourage dogs to pull harder because of the “opposition reflex.”  That’s the reflex that makes sled dogs do what they do. The Easy Walk Harness’ unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across your dog’s chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side and redirecting his attention back towards you. The Easy Walk Harness never causes coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone, not on the delicate tracheal area.Traditional harnesses can actually encourage dogs to pull harder because of the “opposition reflex.”  That’s the reflex that makes sled dogs do what they do. The Easy Walk Harness’ unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across your dog’s chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side and redirecting his attention back towards you. The Easy Walk Harness never causes coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone, not on the delicate tracheal area.

Sporn Non-Pulling Mesh Control Harness Now Only: $19.99
Shop Sporn Mesh Harness and get FREE SHIPPING

Sporn Simple Harness Now Only: $16.99 $13.59
Dog harness for better pull control! Shop Sporn Simple Harness and get FREE SHIPPING
Dog harness with easy on/easy off design perfect for everyday use Halter square allows convenient handling of your dog buckle fastens securely under your dog’s chest. Non-choking nylon harness with top-pulling halter square distributes pressure evenly for maximum comfort for your dog and convenient handling for you. Quick-release Durabuckle fastener ensures a secure fit and comfort padding prevents choking. Great for everyday use.
Medium or Large/Xtra Large

Sporn Training Halter Now Only: $17.99 plus shipping
Shop Sporn Training Halter and get FREE SHIPPING
Sherpa Sleeves slide over restraints and relieve rubbing to help prevent redness, while cushioning sensitive under-leg area. Sleeves are antibacterial coated for pet’s added safety.Training halter makes walking your over-eager dog a pleasant experience. Innovative design stops pulling instantly while providing maximum comfort for your dog. Halter is washable, fully adjustable, and easily doubles as a collar: simply unclip included Sherpa Sleeves™ and restraints. Constructed of single ply nylon with nickel-plated steel D-rings and thermoplastic quick clip. Sherpa Sleeves slide over restraints and relieve rubbing to help prevent redness, while cushioning sensitive under-leg area.

The Original Sporn Halter Now Only:  $14.38 plus shipping
This tried and true safe and comfortable halter can stop any dog from pulling.

What our customers are saying about the Sporn No-Pull Halter:

“Just wanted to let you know that the Sporn Training Collar has worked very well with Wolfie!! We are able to walk and run with no problems anymore…in fact Wolfie listens much more now while we are running! Thanks!!!” Crystal and James – Raleigh, NC

“Just a quick note to tell that the No-Pull harnesses I purchased from you for my two 14-month old Border Collies are wonderful.  Walking them on my Leash-for-Two is now a true pleasure.  Endless thanks!”
Ginny – Herndon, VA

“I received the Sporn Halter today.  Thank you very much for your super quick shipment and excellent service.  My golden retriever mix and I both enjoy our walks much more now.”
Maureen – Ontario, NY

“I got our package and the halter works great!!!!  My 8 year old feels like she can walk our 92lb Golden.” Nancy – Westlake Village, CA

Top Paw? Holt No-Tug Dog Harness Now Only:   $24.98 w/shipping
For No-Tug walking and training. This harness helps train dogs not to pull or tug on their leads. It controls easily without choking. Fits securely around shoulder and chest area so there is no pressure on the dog’s neck or throat. Measure neck for size: Small – 8″ to 14″, Medium – 14″ to 20″, Large – 18″ to 26″.

Top Paw? Comfort Wrap Step In Harness Now Only: $9.99
Make walks safer and more comfortable for you and your dog with the Comfort Wrap Harness. Constructed of flexible nylon and adjustable for a perfect fit. Allows you to retain more control than a conventional collar, especially with hard-pulling dogs.

Premier Gentle Leader Head Collar includes Bonus DVD and Training Guide Now Ony: $12.99 (SUPER CHEAP! $20 bucks at PetSmart!)

The Nose Loop — Dogs are naturally “pack” animals with a highly structured social order. One of the ways the “pack leader” will demonstrate his position is to gently but firmly grasp a subordinate’s muzzle in his mouth. This is a non-aggressive but very clear signal regarding who’s the boss! The Gentle Leader’s nose loop encircles your dog’s muzzle in this same manner, letting him know in his own language that you are his leader. Dogs feel more secure when they know who the leader is.

The Neck Strap — Have you noticed how puppies seem to melt in relaxation when their mother picks them up at the back of the neck? Gentle Leader applies pressure to the back of the neck rather than the front of the throat, working with your dog’s natural relaxation instinct with an amazing calming effect. Also, dogs tend to pull against pressure so the gentle pressure at the back of the neck causes the dog to pull backward, not forward. This means an end to leash-pulling forever!

Find more videos like this on DoodleKisses.com

Clicker training

Clicker training describes the use of little “clickers” in animal training. It is not a euphemism for positive reinforcement training, although it is often used in conjunction with positive reinforcement.

The trick to all training is to follow all behaviors with consequences. The dog sits, and gets a treat (positive reinforcement = a good thing). He barks, and gets a correction (punishment= a bad thing). Every behavior is followed by a consequence, good or bad, which affects the likelihood of the behavior being displayed again.

It’s very important to time the consequences closely, so they are properly associated with the behaviors. If the dog sits, and you wander away and watch TV for half an hour and then reward him, he will have no idea what behavior you are rewarding. He may not even remember that he was sitting 30 minutes ago. Ideally, each consequence should come within no more than 2 seconds of the behavior.

So how do you train a dolphin to jump through a hoop? The dolphin and hoop are 20 feet or more away from you — you cannot get a fish into his mouth the second he goes through the hoop. What you need to do is train a bridge between the behavior and the reward — a signal, in effect, that the animal has earned a reward with whatever behavior he or she is doing right now, and can come to you for the reward when he is ready. This allows you to reward behaviors that are happening far away, or very fast.

The bridge has to be trained separately from anything else. Animals don’t just naturally know that the clicker noise means anything. They have to be taught to understand that the noise from the clicker means “Reward coming!” Then the trainer can use the bridge to say “Reward coming!” even when he or she cannot physically reach the animal to reward them. Because the noise of the clicker is the bridge (between the behavior and the reward), clicker training is also sometimes referred to as “bridge training”.

The bridge doesn’t have to be a click. It can be a whistle, a “YES!”, or any other consistent sound which always tells the animal, “YES! You have earned a treat!” The bridge is a useful tool, but you do not need to use a bridge, or a clicker, to train at all. It’s very helpful if you want to fine-tune your communication with your pet, but it’s not required.

Read Clicker-training Boogie (very cute and very informative)

StarMark Clicker $3.99

Clickerleash

Wow what a cool concept! I always have a hard time holding the clicker the treats and controlling the dog. This would be really helpful.

Product Description

The dog you want is within reach! The Clicker Leash puts effective, humane training methods at your fingertips. By merging a clicker with an ergonomic, lightweight leash handle, the Clicker Leash makes reward-based training convenient and fun while eliminating juggling and fumbling.

Love your dog train your dog. The Clicker Leash lets you do both! Cut through the noise of everyday life and clearly tell your four-legged pal when they are being a good dog.

The Clicker Leash training system will show you the secrets of the pros in just 11 minutes. Because your favorite training tool will always be at your fingertips, you can practice anytime you take your pooch for a walk, resulting in a companion who listens to you everywhere, not just at home.

Click to buy the Clickerleash – at Amazon.com

Premier Click Stick Dog Trainer – Purple

Price: $19.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Buy Premier Click Stick Dog Trainer – Purple

Click Your Way to Rally Obedience (Paperback)

Review

“This book is a must-read for anyone interested in taking dogs beyond the basic level of training.” — September Morn, Owner, DOGS LOVE SCHOOL Dog Training

Buy Click Your Way to Rally Obedience at Amazon.com

101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog (Paperback)

101 Dog Tricks is the largest trick book on the market and the only one presenting full-color photos of each trick and its training steps? The step-by-step approach, difficulty rating, and prerequisites, allow readers to start training immediately.

Buy 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog for $12.91

Try Dove Cresswell‘s Program

Dove Cresswell – Professional Dog Trainer

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Chaining is not only inhumane for dogs, but has taken a severe toll on this nation’s children as well. In the period from October 2003 through August 2009, there were at least 277 children killed or seriously injured by chained dogs across the country.

I still ask, why even have a dog if you’re not going to make it a part of your family?  They are not lawn ornaments.  If you want a dog for security, don’t you think they can better protect you and your family when they are with you and your family?  If your house is too fussy and not dog friendly, you don’t need a dog anyway.

I currently have a neighbor who has a dog chained up to a dog house in their large back yard and I’ve lived here for almost a year and I’ve never not once seen this dog off his chain or taken for a walk. I’ve decided after reading this website and the dangers of chained dogs who get loose..to confront him and if he decides to gets mad at me fine but if he also refuses to change the situation then I will turn him into the authorities.

CHAINED DOG

Chaining up a dog is detrimental to the emotional health of the dog. This practice also endangers the public, by increasing aggressive behavior in the chained dog.

There has to be a law against this type of animal cruelty and not to mention the danger to my young children if his possibly mentally damaged dog were to get off his chain at this point. My other neighbors have been here for a couple years and they say the dog was left out there during the winter snow storm we had last year which was horrible, all summer in the HOT days and he has Never taken him off his chain to my knowledge not once. He just recently put a fence around his yard but before that the yard was unfenced so it was easy for us to see the dog everyday, all day.

Help spread the word tethering dogs is wrong.

I wonder what he thinks of us when he sees me and my husband walking our dos every night and dedicating so much of our lives to them? He must thenk we’re weirdos. So, WHY do you have a dog?? I’m so confused by that one.

The Cruel, Dangerous Practice of Chaining Dogs

And for all the people who are still not convinced, how about you take a look at what a day in the life of a chained dog is like…

This video depicts twelve hours in the life of a chained dog. The video was taken after a whistleblower came forward about this poor dog’s situation. We worked with the whistleblower to record the dog for 12 hours on a day when the temperature reached 92 degrees. The dog had no water and for several hours, no shade. The dog’s guardian has been fined, but little has changed for this dog since the video was shot. We are still working with local authorities to seize the dog.

Click to watch this video on fortheloveofthedogblog.com

Most Recent Attacks

Mothers Against Dog Chaining logged 81 serious attacks on children by chained dogs. Thirty
of these attacks—more than one-third of the entire year’s attacks—occurred in April and May alone.

November 2009:

Unknown boy, 3, Georgia, seriously injured • News Story •
Destiny Marie Knox, 16-month-old, Mississippi , killed • News Story •

October 2009:

Unknown girl, 7, Florida, injured • News Story •
Andrew Vanderweff, 5, Utah , seriously injured • News Story •
Matthew Clayton Hurt, 2, Arkansas , killed • News Story •
Dylan Medlock, 4, Florida, seriously injured • News Story •
Unknown boy, 10, Florida, seriously injured • News Story •
Unknown boy, 3, Florida, seriously injured • News Story •
Unknown boy, 5, Georgia , injured • News Story •

Pictures **WARNING** may hurt your heart -

dogsdeservebetter.org

chain embeded in neck

Raid in Georgia Reveals 97 Pitbulls Chained-up in the Forest! Click to read

Hanging Dog

Chained-Mother-Pup

Chained-PitBulll

‘Flight’ Is Not an Option

Dogs are “fight or flight” animals. When confronted with a threat, a dog’s psychology and physiology dictates that he or she will either flee from the danger (“flight”) or confront it (“fight”). Because tethered dogs have no ability to flee and escape from danger, they must resort to aggression and attacks.

This is what a dog should look likei n your yard..

Educate Yourself

• http://dogsdeservebetter.org/
• http://www.unchainyourdog.org/ – 20 Ways to Help
• http://www.mothersagainstdogchaining.org/attacks.html – HeartBreaking
• Teether Laws and the states that have them – is your state one of them?
• http://dogsdeservebetter.org/laws.html Get Laws Passed!

Pet Safety Tips for the Winter Months

With the holidays and winter months fast approaching, you will want to make sure that your dog is safe and protected.

The following post provides tips for keeping your dog safe during the holidays and winter months.

Jacket for Dogs

Dog Coat – Red Fleece Reflective Safety Jacket for Dogs – Large

Limit exposure to the cold

• Despite cold weather, animals still need exercise. However, time spent outside should be greatly reduced. Naturally, over time, dogs and cats build up winter coats. However, indoor cats and dogs don’t often get the chance to develop a thicker coat. Therefore, you should limit the time your animal(s) are exposed to the elements. 

Keep dogs on a leash in Snowstorms and Rain

• Always keep your dog on a leash during snowstorms and rain storms. They may want to play, but the truth is they can easily lose their scent in the snow and become disoriented. For this reason, more dogs are lost in the winter months than any other time.

Snow Dogs – Ultra Paws Durable Boots

Ultra Paws Durable Boots – Medium

Streets and sidewalks may irritate paws

• De-icing treatments such as salts, sand, and liquid de-icers can irritate your dog’s paws. Frozen streets and sidewalks may also be uncomfortably cold for your pet. To ensure their comfort, be sure to wipe their paws clean after being outside and/or put on protective booties that have become so popular in recent years.

This dog is prepared for winter

Keeping  Small Dogs Warm

• You may have to go to extra lengths to keep your dog warm this winter. Have your dog stay indoors and if he is a puppy or has short hair, and use a coat or a sweater whenever he goes outside.
• Keeping Your Dog Warm In The Winter – i-love-dogs.com

Outdoor Water

• Routinely check your pet’s water dish to ensure the water is fresh and not frozen. To prevent your pet’s tongue from freezing to its feeding or drinking bowl, plastic, rather than metal food and water bowls are preferred.
• Pets who spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the winter need more food. Maintaining warmth depletes energy.

Outdoor Shelter

• Wind-chill is a threat to pets, even those protected by shelters. Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to both sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat.
• The floor should be elevated a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw.
• The entrance of the doghouse should be turned to face away from prevailing winds, and the entrance should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
• Never use a space heater, heat lamps, or other device not approved for use with animals.

SPECIAL NOTE: Mistletoe, poinsettias, holly, amaryllis, Christmas cactus, and potpourri
are ALL poisonous if eaten. Keep them out of your pet’s reach. The toll-free number for the
National Animal Poison Control Center in the United States is 888-4ANI-HELP.

Holiday Decorations  &  Plants

• Remember many holiday decorations and holiday plants are dangerous to pets. Keep them out of the reach of your dog! A number of Christmas season plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten: ivy – moderate to very toxic, all parts; holly – moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves; mistletoe – very toxic, all parts, especially the berries;  Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir – all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus – may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias – leaves and stems low in toxicity.
  This is not a conclusive listing…there are many more toxic plants. An additional listing of both non and toxic plants can be located here. It’s wise to keep plants out of your pets’ and childrens reach.

Car  Safety:

• Never leave pets alone in the car: Cars do not maintain sufficient heat to protect animals from the harsh winter elements outside.
• One of the biggest chemical threats to animals during the winter is antifreeze. Always store antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Dogs are attracted to this sweet-smelling and sweet-tasting poison. Small amounts of this potent animal toxin, whether new or drained from your radiator can lead to coma, kidney failure and death in both dogs and cats.
• Take care to remove ALL traces of antifreeze spillage from your home and driveway.
• Warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked vehicles can attract small animals, which may crawl under the hood seeking warmth.
• To avoid injuring hiding animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them off before starting your engine.
• Chemicals used to melt ice or snow on roads and sidewalks can also be dangerous to pets.
  Never allow them to lick anything off the street or driveway. After a quick romp in the snow or a trot down an icy sidewalk dogs paws can become irritated from ice-melting agents.

Some dogs are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, including:

• puppies under six months of age;
• elderly and arthritic dogs who suffer because the cold can make their joints stiff and moving around becomes awkward and painful for them;
• dogs suffering from diabetes, heart disease, a hormone imbalance or kidney disease because they find it hard to regulate their body temperature;
• under weight dogs;
• dog breeds that have short hair; and
• dogs with short legs because when you’re out walking in the snow their chests and tummies are more likely to be in contact with the snow.

This is my new poodle Daisy and my Goldendoodle Toby and my Aussiedoodle Teddy playing in the backyard.
It was taken with my phone so not the best quality but none the less very cute..

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com

First of all I hope your all doing well and that you all had a nice Thanksgiving.

As your loyal organizer I have attempted to look for parks closer to our Portland members and we have had 2 out of our 6 play dates at Portland Parks and so far I’ve chosen these parks because I researched them or I was told that they were nice but unfortunately, both times I was highly disappointed and in comparison to Ross Park in Vancouver they’re just not as nice. They were both too small, overcrowded and they both used mostly sand as their ground cover which is horrible in my opinion. Those two parks were Gabriel Park and Normandale Park.

So, either I have horrible park picking skills..or Ross is just the best and I’ll always be disappointed BUT I have not given up on Portland yet and if YOU personally know of a nice BIG park in Portland that has grass and that you’ve personally been too and that you enjoy then please let me know and we’ll check it out. It’s be great if we could alternate between a Portland park and Vancouver. That would be ideal.

Toby is ready!!

So, this weekend we will be meeting at Ross Park again. Ross park is beautiful and it has everything we look for in a dog park.

Next to Dakota Memorial Dog Park, Ross Park is the largest off-leash park in the greater Portland area. Ross is 7.72 acres and is also one of the highest ranking dog parks at Portland Pooch.

Dogs are allowed off leash in the entire park. This park features a 1.5 mile trail through the open spaces and oak trees. Ross is completely fenced in and also includes a smaller section for all those tiny doggies that our (not so tiny) dogs love to chase and terrorize. Ross park is managed by Vancouver’s DOGPAW organization and they take excellent care of their grounds.

I’d love to see more people and their doodles showing up at our play dates. We still have 24 members and no one has unsubscribed yet but our actual turn out has still been small to say the least. We always have a lot of fun but it would still be really cool if we could get a better turn out. Is there something that you would like to see or do, that would make you jump up with enthusiasm to put your dog in the car and come down to meet with us all?

I promise you though there is nothing better then seeing your dog with a big puppy smile on his face playing hard with his doodle friends. You won’t be disappointed and I know your dog will Thank you.

A BIG Congratulations to Russ and his new 10 wk old Goldendoodle puppy that he just brought home from Big Oak Ranch!! That’s Russ’s third doodle and I hope we get to meet them all someday soon. I also got my Goldendoodle Toby from Big Oak Ranch and I hope that Russ is as pleased with his puppy as we have been with ours. Toby has been a blessing to me and my family and he has literally changed our lives.

I’m also excited to mention my new Standard poodle “Daisy” who we’ll be bringing with us this weekend.

We look forward to seeing whoever shows up. Me and Roy and all our Doodles will be there rain or shine letting our dogs get their puppy energy out so we hope you will join us. I picked Saterday because the weather is supposed to be nicer and warmer on Saturday

Time and Location:

Where: Ross Park

When: Sat, Dec 5th at 1:30pm – 3pm

Weather: Partly sunny. Highs 40 to 45. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

I also started a group for us at Doodlekisses.com which is the largest community for Doodle owners. It’s a great website!
Join our DoodleKisses.com Group Here!

Ross Park, Vancouver, WA

Please Visit: DreamyDoodles.com to adopt your own Goldendoodle Puppy, we’re in Washington State! $200 off adoption fee if you mention welovedoodles.com