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Impulse Control Handling in Dogs

Impulse Control Handling in Dogs

As humans we can exert some sort of self-control if we want to avoid things we know might harm us.  We encounter life circumstances everyday that force us to say “no”.

We drive by the fast food joint, telling ourselves we have healthier food options at home. 

Knowing that we only need one, we put back the other 9 shirts we tried on.

We nod and smile at our boss while secretly thinking “there is a better way to do this.”

Do dogs have the same ability?  Not inherently.

They are after all, dogs and not humans.  Descendant from wild animals.  They are much more instinct driven and less rationally driven than we are.  But this doesn’t mean that they can’t LEARN impulse control.  And as a matter of fact, some would argue that they learn it much easier than their human counterparts!

Kwanho Song has mastered the art of teaching impulse control handling in dogs.  Watch here as he demonstrates this lesson first hand.

If you would like your dog to learn great impulse control through games and activity, Kwanho has a new class on Tuesday mornings starting September 11th and Monday mornings starting September 17th at AZ Dog Sports!

Call us to register.  602-237-6775

Share your dog story!

We asked you to share your dog story, and you did!

Thank you to all who sent us stories of their pups who have overcome adversity to be great dogs!

The first story we want to share with you is from Eric.

Eric and his dog Nero found each other by happenstance and it forever changed both of them.  Here is Nero’s story in his own words…

dog story, nero, az dog sports, rescue dog“This first picture is me sometime in late summer of 2017, confined to the Maricopa County Animal Shelter … looking despondent.  One day a short guy with a big nose showed up on the advice of one of his best friends. The next day I left the shelter for my forever home.dog story, nero, az dog sports, rescue dog

Since then both of our lives have been altered for the better in every way.

I rescued him as much as he rescued me. We both now have a best friend, a companion, and someone to love unconditionally. I have also become a member of the Alliance Of Therapy Dogs; volunteering with multiple nonprofit organizations in the Phoenix Metro area.

Now I am now the prototype happy, playful pup & I especially LOVE agility class at AZ Dog Sports.  I say that I have a master’s degree in making people smile. 😆

There are so many good dogs in shelters all over the USA who need their forever homes. Adopting a rescue will change your life in positive ways that you can’t imagine. Consider adopting a rescue, you will save a dog’s life ….. but the life you really save will be your own.”

If you have a story you want to share with us of how your dog overcame adversity to be an awesome companion, you can submit it by email to azdspromotions@gmail.com (Please include pictures.)

We will share your story with the rest of the AZ Dog Sports family!

August 2018 Dog of the Month!! – Sketch

“Sketch”

AZ Dog Sports’ August 2018 Dog of the Month

Grace Granatelli & “Sketch”

sketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenixsketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenixSketch’s mom, Grace Granatelli fostered him, a beagle/rat terrier mix, for three days before she knew he was special and destined to be hers.

 

“I entered him in obedience classes at AZ Dog Sports and within 6 months he earned his AKC Beginner Novice title.” – Grace G.

Grace quickly realized that Sketch was capable of much more and so she looked to AZ Dog Sports to continue increasing his skill levels…

“He excelled from the handler-dog interaction so much that we tried all different types of dog sports: rally, nose work, agility, barn hunt, tricks, dock diving, swimming, surfing even therapy dog training.”

sketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenixsketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenixThis continued education and practice led Grace and Sketch to earn quite a few other notable certifications and titles.

“Within three years Sketch has also earned his Therapy Dog Certification, Tricks Performer title, Barn Hunt Senior title and his latest accomplishment is his Public Access Certification which allows him to be a Medical Alert/Working Dog/Service Dog.  His main task in this area is as a diabetic alert dog.” sketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenix

Beagles are known for a high energy level and this leads some to believe that they can be a challenge to train.  Grace will tell you a different story.  She has come to not only appreciate but work with, Sketch’s high need for activity to get him to the point he is at today.

“He is a great example of how an active dog is a happy dog and how training and consistency can teach your dog any skill or sport.”

AZ Dog Sports gives dogs of all types and abilities the opportunity to be the best they can be.

sketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenix sketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenix sketch, az dog sports, dog training phoenix“I am thankful to AZ Dog Sports for the opportunity to learn and participate in the many types of sports and training offered which build the bond between Sketch and me.  Because having a happy active dog brings me joy and happiness.”

Congratulations to Grace & Sketch on being our Dog of the Month for August 2018!

Contact us if you think your dog is worthy of Dog of the Month!

 

My dog knows basic obedience, what’s next?

obedience, az dog sports, dog training phoenixWhat comes after Basic Dog Obedience?

You have your newly adopted puppy or dog and have done a series of private in-home lessons or group class lessons.

He knows his obedience skills: sit, stay, down, walks on a loose leash, and even greets new people and new dogs politely!  (Thank you for being responsible pet guardians!)

But now you’re wondering what can we do next?

Dog Obedience – Up Leveled!

One option is to up-level your training!

If you really enjoy obedience training, take it to the next level.  You and your dog can take classes to obtain your AKC title, Canine Good Citizen (CGC). Your dog will have his first official title (after star puppy, of course) and you will have a dog that is well behaved in public places. He will learn other valuable cues like an emergency recall, or off leash recall, and a leave it cue.

What about Dog Obedience at an Even Higher Level?

Beyond that, you and your dog may wish to go to therapy dog training or public access training.

Outdoor classes are really challenging and fun when supervised by an experienced trainer and it is fun to explore new places and environments with your pet.

A further step up the ladder to impeccable manners is to enroll in off leash classes, rally classes, or even competition obedience. There are multiple levels for competitive teams to exercise their skill set in most training facilities.

Other great activities to do with your dog are agility, nose work, and helpful canine classes. Active adults that love to hike will find hiking clubs that allow dogs. Some dogs love to run with their handler while biking.  Swimming together is a great past time too that both of you can enjoy!obedience, az dog sports, dog training phoenix

Playing games is a great way to keep your dog focused and attentive.  Tricks, surfing, Frisbee catching and jogging are all great ways to spend time together. Ask your furry pal to accompany you most places and you will always have a great companion by your side.

Dogs, like people, are always continually learning if you encourage them!

Are you and your pup ready to up-level your obedience?

Call us to check out your options!

Picking Healthy Dog Treats

healthy dog treats, az dog sports, dog training phoenix

Treats are an essential part of doggie life—ask any dog.

Not only great for every teachable moment and training session, treats can help you build a positive reaction in your dog to something new or scary. But by definition, they are delicious and desirable, and treat makers often achieve this with extra fat, salt, and sugar.

Here are some rules of thumb when picking dog treats to help you avoid undermining your dog’s health:

  • Only buy products that contain named meats (e.g. “chicken” or “chicken meal,” not simply “meat” or “meal”) and vegetables
  • If grains appear on the ingredients panel, make sure they’re whole
  • Look for whole-food ingredients such as carrots, blueberries, beef, and whole wheat
  • Some preservatives are necessary, especially in chewy treats, so opt for natural ones like vitamins C and E and avoid BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, sodium nitrate, and other chemicals
  • Don’t forget that many dogs consider a cube of cheddar or a bit of leftover chicken a big treat

Here are a few links to some healthy dog treats we like:

Dr. Jodie’s Natural Pets

Zukes

Dr. Becker’s Bites

Once you’ve found your dog’s currency…whether they are treat or toy motivated, bring them in to try a new class!

azdogsports@msn.com

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