Dear Dog Owner,

The spring is a time for renewal and rebirth. This year, as we clean out our homes and redefine our work processes, why not realign your relationship with your dog? In this edition we will be exploring ways to integrate your dog's training into your life to streamline your practice. We will also discuss the Canine Good Citizen test, what it includes, and how to get your dog this certification! Are you looking for something for your dog to do while you work or travel to help them have a dog gone good time? In this month's This Just In section we introduce you to Camp Bow Wow: Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp!

Each month, we offer you training tips and challenges. Do you have any suggestions for topics that you would like more information about? Is there something new and fantastic in the Lowcountry that you think our readers need to know about? If so, please email us at allison@betterdog.com so that we can make sure to include them!

Proud to have you in our Pack,

The Staff at Dog Training In Your Home

Integrating Practice into Everyday Life

In our training, we often hear that people simply do not have time to practice with their dogs. While setting aside time to spend one on one with your dog is ideal, and should be pursued whenever possible, we understand that sometimes life can be busy. We are, after all, human. Even though life is busy, your dog still needs repetition and consistency in order to develop the habits that you desire. Often people do not realize that the time spent with your dog, whether set aside or not, is time spent training. Why not integrate your practice into your daily routines so that you can make the most of your time and bond with your dog? There are lots of ways to do it. Here are just a few:

SIT and DOWN: Sit and down commands should be practiced whenever you need your dog to stop moving and freeze into position. While challenging your dog to a long stay session during a set-aside practice time is one way to do it, another is having him or her practice her down and/or sit stays while you answer the door, read a magazine, or brush your teeth. Whenever your dog is moving around and you would rather them not be, replace the negative behavior with a positive one.

PLACE: Working on Place can be easily accomplished while you watch television or check your email! Start with short place challenges during commercial breaks and then when your dog gets better at it, extend out to actual show segments. Put them on place while you start reading your email, see how many you can get through before your dog tries to get up! While snuggling with your dog during your downtime is often a relaxing time for many owners, this is a way to get in your practice so that when guests come, they can be just as relaxed. Don't forget, if you don't practice, your dog is not going to remember what to do when you need it to.

WAITING: Even the simple acts of going through a doorway to take your dog out or feeding them are great opportunities for integrated practice. Have your dog do a sit/stay or a down/stay and wait at doorways. You should always go through first. Have them sit/stay or down/stay while you put down their food. Release them from their stays with a "you're through". This way they understand that you own the food and they are motivated to listen!

Can you think of a way to integrate your practice into your everyday life? Let us know! Your idea may be featured in an upcoming edition!

The American Kennel Club offers a Canine Good Citizen program designed to measure your dog's social manners out and about. The testing evaluates several things your dog has been trained for, such as walking on a loose leash, meet and greets with dogs and people, basic commands, distraction work, separation and grooming. Upon passing the test, the American Kennel Club issues a certification formally acknowledging him as a Canine Good Citizen. The test is required by most therapy dog programs, and is a great foundation if you are interested in doing this type of work with your dog. The ten items on the Canine Good Citizen test are:

-Accepting a friendly stranger.

-Sitting politely for petting.

-Reaction to another dog.

-Reaction to distraction.

-Walking on a loose lead.

-Walking through a crowd.

-Appearance and grooming.

-Sit and down on command, and staying in place.

-Coming when called.

-Supervised separation.

Is Your Dog Ready? Make sure your dog can accomplish the objectives not only in your home, but also in different environments with new distractions. Group Classes are the perfect place for this. In fact, let the trainer know you are working towards this goal and we'll specifically help you with some of the requirements. If your dog performs well at group class, that is a great first step in earning the certificate.

Are You Interested? We will be conducting a test this month! Before group class on the 21st at 10:00 AM, testing will be held at Hampton Park in Downtown Charleston. The cost is $25 per dog which can be paid by cash, check or credit card at the time of testing. Please email or call us to reserve your spot. Don't think your dog is ready? If you feel like you need a refresher before the test, email us at allison@betterdog.com or call us at 843.569.3022. We'll be happy to help both you and your dog achieve this goal!

For all rules and regulations, visit The AKC Site.

This Just In!

Camp Bow Wow of Charleston is a premier doggie daycare and boarding facility. We believe dogs should be socialized so they can become a more balanced dog. This is why we promote an open play environment for our campers during the day. For our overnight campers, we provide individual cabins with a karanda cot, a fleece blanket, and a campfire treat. We do require all our campers to be spay or neutered, and up to date with all of their shots including bordatello (canine cough)which we require every 6 months. And you can watch your dog on our camper cams from your personal computer anywhere you can get internet access. All of our campers must pass a behavioral interview so call for an interview appointment(843-216-2278). Remember your first day of daycare is free so bring them to Camp Bow Wow of Charleston and they'll have a dog gone good time!

"Furry" regards,

Beverly Heinly
Camp Bow Wow of Charleston
1745 Clements Ferry Road
Charleston, SC 29492
Camp#843-216-2278
Cell#843-637-0485