Rescue Dog Training Talk

Rain is a great time to get outside and have it all to ourselves! The harder the rain, the more likely we are to be able to play off leash everywhere we go. And today is one of those days. A rainy day is also a great day to practice or learn some doggy tricks. I've decided to work on "roll over" with Shep. Which is something he does not know. And he's not a fan of learning new tricks. So, I've got to keep it fun with lots of great rewards and baby steps. Jump in here and listen to what we're up to this rainy Monday. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

How important is it? This is a question I ask myself when I am working on a training technique with Shep. And especially when he presents some resistance. Listen in to see what I mean and what happened to us on our hike this week! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Have you ever been out on a leash walk and had an unwanted unleashed dog approaching your dog? How did you handle it? Shep and I have had some encounters with people and dogs and even cars that we've been able to manage. No doggy fights to date. Thankfully. But, we avoid dog parks and places where this might be more likely. Listen in and see what I've read recently about unleashed dogs and how we can best manage this. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Here is a little rundown of the top training tips Shep and I have learned over the past almost 2 years. I hope you find them helpful too! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Here are 2 of our favorite doggy treat recipes that you can make so easily at home. Grab your pen and paper! Because your pup is sure to love these as well! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep isn't lured or calmed easily with food when we are training or working outside of the house. Food works just fine for us in the house. But when we are out and about, a stick is our magic wand. Listen in and see how we plan to use our all powerful stick at a boarding drop off coming up. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep has developed a hidden hot spot that he just can't leave alone. So, our training is taking a bit of backseat right now. Or maybe I should say it's being redirected. Listen in and see what's up! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I are taking a couple of steps back this week. We plan to focus the next 7 days on foundational recall training and name reassurance. He had a bit of an episode barking at a vehicle while walking this week on leash. So, I'm taking a step back - big step back - and that's perfectly fine. He needs to know that all is well and I've got his back. Join us this week and listen in to what we're doing. And if you have a reactive pup and would like to join us, we invite you and would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave us a voicemail message. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I continue to work on impulse control.  Specifically this week when we are out hiking and playing stick.  And I've learned that when he's tired he's unable to make good choices.  So, we just wrap up our play time and come on home.  Listen in and see what we're working on for fun this week.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

This week I've decided to convert some space into a Doggy Time Out Room.  This is now a gated room that provides Shep with a quiet, darker space to unwind.  And gives me some time as well.  So far, it's working out great.  Listen in and see what we're up to.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I are working right now on stronger impulse control.  And I've chosen the "stay" and "wait" commands to help us with that.  Listen in to hear what we do with these two magical words and you may leave us a voicemail message to listen to if you would like.  Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

I'm not sure what's happened.  But Shep's lack of impulse control seems to be skyrocketing.  It's one of the side effects of being removed from his litter mates and his mom much too soon. At least, that's my thought on it all. And the cause.  I need to be the fix.  So, we're doing some heavy work this week on impulse control and better choices.  Listen in and share your thoughts with me and our listeners.  You can leave us a voicemail message here; https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep is making choices lately, that are less than desirable.  He knows what I'm asking.  He absolutely knows what I want.  And yet, he is looking me eye to eye and making other choices.   I think he's created a game in his own mind and he's winning in this way. Listen in and hear what we've decided to do to help him with this. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I are working on some advanced training.  He loves to learn new things.  And he truly wants to be helpful.  So, we are working on turning the light switch off.   Listen in and see how we are tackling this with some target training.  And what our challenge is right now.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Two steps forward and one step back.   Or maybe it's actually one step forward and two steps back.   We've got a great success story to share in our leash training this week, but we've had some setbacks in other areas too.   Listen in and see if you can relate! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

How do you dry off your wet dog after outdoor playtime? Shep and I developed a doggy drying routine last year when he was just a tiny pup. And we've continued it on through the summer months. Why? Just to keep him trained and make it a habit. Winter's here on the Pacific Northwest are very wet. And he just loves to swim on the coldest of days, run through the deepest puddles, and roll in the snow when it arrives. Listen in and see how we manage our long wet days. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Separation Anxiety and Stress Recovery is where Shep and I find ourselves today. I recently had Shep with our boarding kennel while I traveled for 6 days. What I thought was excitement, I now believe is anxiety and stress masked as excitement. Here's how we are doing upon our return home. And we would love to hear your ideas for coping with this type of doggy trauma. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep is easily pushed over his threshold of over excitement.  It's something we continue to work on with him.  But it's showing up in new places this week.  Mainly, as we prepare to go out for our morning hike and play time.  Tune in today to hear how we are working on this.  And please feel free to let us know by voicemail how you manage training good manners to your over excited dog.  We would love to hear from you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

The dark months of winter are before us now.   And these can be long days for our busy pups who love the great outdoors.   Shep and I have been playing more indoor games.  And we've got a couple to share with you.   Listen in to see what we use for training treats.  And we would love to hear what indoor games you play.  You can reach me at aprildeneanthompson@gmail.com or leave us a message here on the podcast.  Are there any doggy games you might like to share with our listeners?  Happy Trails!   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!  Shep and I made it across the scary metal bridge he fears so much.  And our return trip was no problem at all.  Huge success today.  And we even came upon some strangers in the forest that didn't spook him or cause a barking frenzy at all.  Listen in and see what we're up to.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

The Power of Play is big factor in Shep's training. He's even more motivated by play than he is by food. Which seems crazy, but it's so true. He will of course, do anything for a nice piece of chicken. But for a game of tug, of stick, he'll drop the chicken too! This past week we did a toy take back. Listen in and see why and what we're doing now: --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep was determined to dig his way to China!  I'm sure of it.  In the process, he destroyed all the grass and greenery in his play yard.   How did we get that stopped?  Listen in and find out!   We're going to be putting together a new book - Rescue Dog Training Talk - an ebook!  I'll let you know when it's ready.  But if you would like to email me about your training adventures, my email address is aprildeneanthompson@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I like to celebrate our successes.   And we like to celebrate them with you!    Tune in and see what our success story is this week.   And we would love to hear yours as well!   Please feel free to call in and leave us a voicemail message or email me at aprildeneanthompson@gmail.com. Happy Trails. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I have invested in a new bark collar to help with reactive barking. What a big improvement this has made for us! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep knows his basic commands very well. "Come" "here" "sit" "stay" "leash" "down" are all commands we practice over and over and over again every day. Sometimes with a treat, sometimes without - but always with high praise. When we are out in the world, Shep wants to take stock first - see why I'm giving a command - what's up - and what's going on around us before committing to obedience. How do we fix this? That's our challenge right now. Listen in and see what we're up to this week! If you have any thoughts on how we could better manage our outdoor obedience training - please leave me a voicemail message here or you can always email me: aprildeneanthompson@gmail.com Thank you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Learning and teaching impulse control on the doggy level is definitely a big challenge! I recently heard a dog trainer talk about how he had a German Shepherd that he felt was totally in check - no need to worry about impulse control - chase after a cat and lose his life due to an automobile incident. So, I know safety must always come first. And I must always err on the side of caution. But I've found one thing that Shep loves even more than chicken - and it's working really well for our impulse control training right now. Listen in and see what I'm talking about here! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I have had a rough week. We've taken some steps backwards in our leash aggression and reactivity. I'll tell you about it here in this episode- and our decision to move forward with some scent training to help boost his confidence. And I wonder.. does anyone have any tips for administering ear drops that doesn't include peanut butter or food? Listen in and see what we've been up to. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Distractions have been big for Shep and I this week. A neighborhood cat insists on taking our training up a notch... or is it down? I'm not sure which direction we're going in right now. Listen in and see what we're up against this week! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep is a 15 month old German Shepherd Dog who hates everything about grooming. Boy does it make him grouchy! He doesn't want a bath but will play in the river. Will only allow brushing if a game of tug is involved and has to be bribed with chicken jerky and greek yogurt for ear cleaning and nail trimming. Listen in now and here how it's going for us in the grooming department. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Consistency in our training and in our doggy day is an important step in building confidence and dependability. But, we also have to learn adaptability and to teach adaptability to our pups. They do look to us as their companions, guides, handlers, and trainers to help them cope with our ever changing world and unexpected occurrences. And how and when do I use corrections? I've got a very balanced outlook on reward and corrections - well.. maybe.. I might just weigh in a little more on the rewards.. Listen in now! And if you would like to leave us a voice message, please do! https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I have been forced into more loose leash training due to our National Forest trails and playgrounds being closed. But, it's really been for the best. As we've come a very long way with our loose leash walking and command training on leash. I'm pretty excited about the progress that we've made and would love to hear how you are doing with your dog training! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I are back from our time away. Our hiking trails are once again open. And as we settle back into our routine, it's time for Shep's monthly heartworm and flea and tick tablets. There's no hiding those for me - and I've tried all sorts of things. Listen in and see what we're doing with that.. and please let us know how you manage this! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

The pressure from others in how I manage my dog and dog training is real. To everything from neutering, to who I train with, to what tools I use. There's a lot of information and misinformation available. And I choose to keep my head down and plow through! What pressure do you receive from well meaning family, friends, and neighbors or even your vet? Here's what I get! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep builds confidence at the kennel with is boarding experience last week. And we are able to hit the "reset" button in his reactivity to cars, people, and other dogs. Visit Shep and see his pictures on facebook: Rescue Dog Training Talk or ShepTales --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I have been working primarily on his "wait" and leash training. Here's what we're working on. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Puppy "training" for me has been about communication. I don't speak dog. Shep doesn't speak my language. Together, we continue to work on our communication and understanding one another. Here's how it's going for us today. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

There were things I didn't expect when I brought home my rescue pup in June of 2020. It wasn't my first rodeo. I've had pups before. And I've rescued before. But this was a whole new experience. Here's what happened! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support

Shep and I are excited to be here with you. Here's a little introduction to our story and how we first met. We'll be back again soon to tell you about our very first training adventures together. Enjoy this introduction. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support