I Just saw this little graphic and I thought this might be worth a conversation. If you are wondering whether children are OK to walk your dogs, this might help you look at the logistics and help you to make your decision. I am concerned when I hear about parents on FB pages asking if their children can walk people's dogs for pocket money, which sounds very thoughtful but can be a very controversial topic. Especially, when it comes to safety, accidents, dog attacks, emergency vet visits, dogs running away, and not being insured.... along with many other issues. What are your thoughts? Be kind when stating your opinion, please.

Boredom is the worst. When I’m bored, I find myself feeling tired and unmotivated unable to engage It’s not just us humans who fall into bad habits though. Dogs do too. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog blissfully busy is exercise. Sasha loves doing Agility and scent work. I love to set up courses for her in our backyard or out and about locally. While physical exercise is important for dogs, they also need to keep their brains busy too! Here’s my quick tips to enrich your dog’s environment to help them stay mentally and physically active - and out of trouble. Tip # 1: Cardboard Chaos Sasha absolutely loves this enrichment game. She will play cardboard chaos, daily if I let her—this will keep your pooch happy and busy for hours! Tip #2: Try Trick Training Families that play together, stay together! I make sure to spend 3 min Trick Training with Sasha every day. We get to deposit into the Relationship Bank Account to strengthen our bond, daily exercise, top up our cues, or try learning a new Trick. Which is important because enrichment is what can keep your dog calm, if you dog is calm you have a happier dog who is less reactive to the environment around them. Trick Skills Tip #3: Catnip A new smell can spark curiosity in your dog. I especially love Catnip for my dog because having her find a braided T-shirt that has been scented with catnip is not only fun for me to do with her, but she loves the hunt itself. Scent work is great because it is both independent of you and still a team sport. It was 100 degrees out when I filmed this quick scent work with Sasha. She still has it! I have not done scent work for a couple of months. You can watch her work through finding the scent squirrel here. Tip #4: Go high-tech! Of course, in the modern world, leaving to go to work doesn’t have to mean a boring day for your dog anymore. The industry is exploding with high-tech tools and toys that do everything from monitor your dog’s food intake, to watch and speak to them to, yes, enrich their lives Check out-https://www.porterlabs.ai/ Do you have a trick up your sleeve for keeping your dog entertained? Let me know! #Dogtrainingtips #Quicktips #Scentwork

Camping Checklist Dos and Don’ts Even though camping isn’t for me, I know lots of folks who LOVE it. We use to love to camp when the kids were little. Lots of Laughs on those trips. Now Mike and I want to try and rent a camper and take a drive down to NOLA to visit our son with Sasha, our dachshund. Bringing your furry one along camping (or glamping) is a great bonding experience. But before you pack up and hit the road, look over my DOs and DON’Ts of camping with your dog. What to do when camping with a DOG • First, decide if your dog will enjoy camping. Not all dogs will enjoy it. Sasha has been on some long drives to Folly Beach for about 13 hours. She does great and can relax in the car. We do take a couple of breaks for her to get out and sniff. We use Calm K9 to help her relax in the car. If your dog would rather stay home, let them! • Make sure you know all the rules or regulations in the area. Is your dog’s breed or size allowed? National and state parks often have restrictions to follow to keep your pet and wildlife and habitats safe! Always follow them. • Pack the right gear. When I venture out with Sasha, I always bring a soft collapsible crate, car seat with seat belt, vet information, shot records, flashlight, life jacket, long lead, short lead, collapsible bowls, and a First aid kit for pets. Other things you might need include pet sunscreen, tick & flea treatment, and a reflective vest. You can check out the new Tick Twister which is great to have for easy removal of ticks. • Bring the comforts for you and your pet. Sasha absolutely loves her tug toys and lick mat. Bring your dog's raised bed, blanket, sleeping pad, crate, favorite toys, and/or treats. Not exactly comforts—but any medications or calming aids like Calm K9 • Don’t leave your dog unattended. Your dog is your buddy on the trip. Leaving them couped up in the camper or cabin is no fun (and could be dangerous). One of my favorite activities to do with my dog while camping is going on hikes and exploring new trails. • Don’t leave their ‘business’ laying around. Pick up after your dog regularly and properly dispose of the waste. Check out this DOOLOOP DEVICE FOR EASY CARRY IN-CARRY-OUT OF PET WASTE. • Don’t expect your dog to be okay the entire trip. Just like us humans, pets have their triggers and ‘off’ days. I remember once when hiking with Sasha, she was a tad tired, and we tried to push her a bit too much. In the long run, it would have just been easier to sit and take a 15 min break. You can only go as fast as your slowest member. Dogs can dehydrate super-fast. A great product is Fresh K9(see A-OK9 links above). Be understanding and prepare to handle any stressors. • Don’t forget to practice before you get there. Try setting up the tent in your backyard and play some crate games. Just hang out in the tent and play games that are fun for your dog. Work on your dog being in the crate in the tent and gradually work up to a sleepover. Did I miss something? Tell me what else all dog parents need to do or not do when camping add a post in the comments below or contact us at Karen@gooddogconcepttraining.com or

Loud noises and sounds can really freak dogs out, and a fireworks show is probably the worst noise monster a fearful dog can face. I like to get dogs ready for Fireworks way ahead of time. I have seen many scared dogs have a successful 4th of July with training for the fireworks not training when they are happening. If you know a night of fireworks is coming up, here are some ways to help your dog stay a little more comfortable. Plan ahead. It’s a good idea to check for the dates of the community fireworks displays during celebratory seasons, and make sure your dog’s collar ID and microchip registration are up to date. Check out some of the fireworks this year. I am sure there are more coming. Fireworks Create distance. When you know a firework display is scheduled nearby, or you see your neighbors setting up for a display, ask a friend if you can bring your dog over for an evening chat or movie – unless your dog finds trips even more stressful. We have neighbors who always set them off. One year I thought our roof was going to catch fire. So, I like to stay home make sure Sasha has her Calm K9, and put the TV up a tad louder. Set up a quiet safe space in your home where your dog is comfortable and the sound of fireworks is muffled, like a finished basement or an internal room like a walk-in closet. Sometimes Sasha will take herself upstairs under the bed. Spend time with your dog there, with toys and treats, well before fireworks season begins. I like to make sure her lick mat is full of her favorite foods, and that it is frozen to keep her busy. Desensitize your dog by playing a recording of fireworks at a very low level for short periods, multiple times a day, and rewarding calm behavior with treats. If your dog is extremely fearful of noises, before taking this step, think about consulting an experienced dog behaviorist for the expert guidance I have a free eBook at the end of this article Go for a long walk well before dark. A happily tired dog is a more relaxed dog. Exercise your pup with training games enrichment is a super way to make your dog nice and tired or a long walk so they are ready to nap when night falls. Make sure their collar or harness is slip-proof because some people celebrate with firecrackers and other noisemakers before darkness falls. Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound and block out flashes of light. Turn on the TV, music, or white noise like a fan, to provide a familiar, alternate sound. Make sure whatever you use is already familiar to your dog – even fans can be anxiety-causing if they are fired up without warning. I use calm spa-like music if she goes under the bed. Try an anxiety wrap. Soft, stretchy jackets and vests built specifically for a dog’s shape are reported to be effective at reducing anxiety. I suggest you slowly introduce your dog to their coat well before fireworks season descends. Thundershirt [https://thundershirt.com/] Don’t fuss over your dog. I know it’s hard not to be upset when you see your dog distressed, especially when you know they are safe. However, if you frantically console them, or make angry comments about inconsiderate neighbors, your distress or anger can strengthen your dog’s belief that something is wrong. You can certainly soothe your dog but do so in a calm, reassuring, and positive manner. When Sasha is upset, I like to use our training game DMT. We do this regularly so she knows to be calm. Gently distract your dog. Turn those fireworks into background chatter by engaging in normal fun activities like playing with a toy, running through training exercises, or inviting your dog on the couch for a movie night. But don’t pull your dog out from a safe space they have chosen and force your dog to play if they would rather hide. Consult a professional. Is your dog’s quality of life suffering, or are they so panicked they could injure themselves, or you, while trying to escape? Dog trainers, dog behaviorists, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists can offer a range of options from counterconditioning to medication. I recommend my mentor who I trained under behavet@hotmail.com. DR. Tom Mitchel. I personally know so many people he has helped including Sasha and I. Mention my name and if need be, I can get information and help you out locally. Our Fireworks ebook EBOOK

Life in Mount Laurel NJ is always full of fun activities. But it’s not just us humans who can have adventures around town. The community is so pet-friendly and makes it easy to venture out with dogs. When I think about why I became a dog trainer the growth I want for pet parents is to be able to have fun experiences with their dogs. To help you and your dog get out and find some fun experiences together I put together a quick list you both can enjoy in Mount Laurel and surrounding areas. 1. Zed’s Beer-Bado Brewing I’m not sure if you’ve ever checked this place out but—it looks like a MUST place to try. I have not tried it but have heard it is a great place to bring your pet. They have a new beer this year just in time for summer they are releasing Zed’s Kölsch-style American Ale. I am excited about another new place you can have fun with your dog. If you have been to Zed or are planning a trip, make sure to let us know what you and your dog thought about this experience. You can check out their FB page at Zed’s 2. Real Dog Yoga We all need to relax and unwind from time to time. This 100% includes our dogs. If you’ve never tried Dog Yoga before it is great for the mind and body of our dogs. I highly recommend Jo ‘Rosie Haffenden -Real Dog Yoga. I have actually done some of my best dog training with Jo’ Rosie for scent, puppy, and dog behavior struggles. Yoga is wonderful for both you and your dog and a fun experience for you to do together. I’m sure you and your pooch will have an equally zen time. 1. Historical Smithville Park It’s always nice to change up your scenery from time to time. A local gem for Sasha, my dog, and I is Historical Smithville Park. I love this location for it has hills in NJ, a Super cool walkway over the water, and doesn’t feel crowded. Don’t forget to bring a nice light long lead for some quality sniffing, water, and collapsible bowl, treats, snacks, and maybe some bug spray. You will want to stay so be prepared to hang out for a while the hike could take an hour and you will want to enjoy the day and not have to leave for food or water. 1. Full House Pets Shopping is so much better when you can bring your dog. Full House Pets is a new pet store in the Larchmont Shopping Center right next to Shoprite. They have many different types of animal foods, toys, and healthy chews, plus they sell my favorite dog food Stella and Chewy. They have a good number of healthy snacks for our dogs, and they happily welcome all dogs and pets. The staff is incredible with dogs. They often have fun events so check out their FB page. The GRAND OPENING is 6/17 - 6/19. I dropped in and spoke with the owner and staff, and they were very welcoming, I have some ideas brewing in my mind for field trips for students…… 1. The Governors Retreat Thankfully travel is getting easier for pet parents. From dog-friendly hotels to awesome pet lodges, if you need to leave town (or even go on a well-earned staycation), the Governors Retreat is a place to go! They offer a beautiful cottage that is dog friendly for any dog. My favorite part about them is that your dog did not have to be on a leash all day. Sasha sniffed all over and the trails were so close we did not need a car. Sasha did not want to leave Mike, my husband, and I never saw her not want to come with us. We did the fake “I am leaving” and got in the car and Sasha stayed at the front door. The owners are super friendly and told us some places to go. You are just surrounded by beauty no matter where you look. We cannot wait to all go back again! You and your dog will find this place to be a super fun experience. Check it out here 1- Good Dog Concept Training Trying to teach an old dog new tricks? Or do you have a new pup in the house you need to train? I have the person for you! Karen Falciani at Good Dog Concept Training is hands-down one of the best trainers I’ve ever met. She works with game-based training so training is never a chore. Even if you don’t need a trainer right now, keep Karen Falciani in mind because you never know when you might need the savvy guidance of an experienced dog trainer so you can enjoy all the activities listed here. 1. Village Veterinary Hospital I am lucky to know all the Veterinary doctors that work at Village Veterinary Hospital and they are all passionate about dog health and treatments. This is who I bring my dog to for all her routine wellness check-ups. I also did 3 days watching them deal with dog patients for the CPR course I took. When it was time for end-of-life care with my previous dog DR. Perlman was there to help me through it all with so much kindness at a difficult time. If you need a Vet I highly recommend checking them out. 1. All Season Pups Photography Who doesn’t want beautiful photos of their pup all over the house? Susana Maria is a member of the South Jersey dachshund club, and she posts some really great pictures. I asked her why she got into taking animal pictures. She said - "I like to catch the little moments and special occasions with dogs. I think everyone deserves at least one nice picture of their dog, when my last dog passed, I was so sad about how few pictures I had of him. Once I started taking pictures of my four furnabies, I wanted to do the same for others." This is so true. Take a look at her FB page Know of an awesome dog-loving spot I missed? Send me a quick message at Karen@gooddogconcepttraining.com and let me know! I’m always looking for new places to check out.

Does your dog love to hide treasure? 🦴 What is their favourite place to put their stash? Can they find it again - or do they need a map? 😂 #gdctfundayfriday

Pulling On Leash Solutions! Hi Pet Parents, Does your dog pull on the leash as if their life depends on it? I’m going to let you in on a little secret… Stress-free walks – and walks where you aren’t getting your arm pulled off at every step – aren’t a far-fetched dream. In fact, with the power of games, loose leash walking can be a part of your everyday reality! If you have a dog that pulls on a leash, isn’t focused on you, and has to sniff EVERYTHING in front of its nose on walks, there’s a solution for you! Absolute DOGS has a brand new mini-course dedicated to making your dog walking dreams a reality! The Stop Pulling mini-course is exactly what you need and as an Absolute DOGS Pro Dog Partner, I’m excited to share this course with you! https://game.absolute-dogs.com/stoppulling-pdp?prod=stop-pulling-mini-course&ref=88 This is THE challenge that will have you waving goodbye to a dog that pulls on leash and saying hello to a dog who is laser focused on you, loves to stick close to you and who has beautiful loose leash walking skills! For the AMAZING price of just £27/$32 USD, you are going to get: ● A mini-course that will arm you with everything you need to achieve loose-leash walking success! ● A series of Game Up videos, demonstrating practical games to train your dog in just a few minutes a day and set them up for the total transformation of real-life results success! ● A series of Skill Up videos, where you get to geek out and learn all about how games-based training can reshape your dog’s brain and help you achieve amazing loose-leash walking skills, regardless of your dog’s age, breed, or history! ● Terrific troubleshooting top tips on all the most common pulling on leash struggles faced by dog owners all over the world! ● Lifetime access to the course – so you can play again and again, as often as you want! ● VIP FB Student Community Video Reviews of your training posts Ebooks, worksheets, journals Q and A sessions Did you know that transforming your dog's loose-leash walking skills can have a ripple effect on the rest of their behavior? Join us in this challenge to eliminate pulling on leash and face your dog's struggles head on! [https://game.absolute-dogs.com/stoppulling-pdp?prod=stop-pulling-mini-course&ref=88]

This game Sasha loves!

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