Newsletters

MOUNTAIN TAILS TRAINING

2393 Rock Cliff Rd

Bedford, VA  24523

540-272-0564      

www.mountaintailstraining.com

 

January 2024

 

Happy New Year!

 

I have had the request to publish a newsletter occasionally so that everyone will know what we are doing over here at Mountain Tails Training.  If you do not want to receive the newsletter, please let me know.          My feelings will not be hurt!

 

I will start off with a picture of the most recent dogs that received their Canine Good Citizen titles.  Congratulations to Daphnie, Anya and Louie!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Since January can be a rough month to get outside to exercise your dog, I am including an article with things to do with your dog to keep them from getting bored and driving you crazy.  It will be at the end of the newsletter.

 

This month we are having a 5 week Beginning Rally class.  It starts January 4th so please let me know soon if you are interested.  The biggest question that I get is, what is Rally.  It is a fun way to do obedience.  It is set up as a course with multiple signs that tell you which command to give your dog.  The dog must be able to heel with a loose leash as you both go through the course.  It is a fun way to work with your dog and proof his or her commands.

 

We also have a Barn Hunt Run Thru on January 13th.  It can be used as a practice session if your dog has been working on Barn Hunt or it can be used as introduction to see if your dog will enjoy it.  They will start at 12:00 pm with Instinct and move up to Master level.  Feel free to come and watch even if you do not want to bring your dog.  It is a lot of fun.  To sign up, please go to the web page, Barn Hunt | Mountain Tails Train (mountaintailstraining.com).  At the bottom you will see a form for Barn Hunt Run Thru to download.  Please fill it out and send it to me so I can put you on the schedule.  We will also have another one on February 24th to give you more time to play.

 

In March, we will start up Barn Hunt Classes again on Thursday nights.  The beginning class will start at 6 pm and I have moved the intermediate class to 7 pm.  The forms to sign up are on Barn Hunt | Mountain Tails Train (mountaintailstraining.com)

 

I am also considering a beginning Scent work class in March on Tuesday nights.  Please let me know if you have any questions or are interested in coming.  We will also be starting up Obedience classes in April.

 

Canine DIY Enrichment

by Suzanne Clothier edited by Mary Ann Robertson

 

The key to a happy and healthy dog is regular enrichment and allowing them to engage in their innate behaviors, such as playing, chasing, smelling, chewing and scavenging. By allowing your dog to engage in these behaviors, you allow them to be physically, emotionally and mentally satisfied. Dogs who don’t receive stimulation tend to find ways to enrich themselves, resulting in unwanted behaviors.

The following are fun DIY projects that will help keep you and your dog entertained and busy during rough weather. Please ensure that you are always closely and actively supervising your dog(s) while DIY items are accessible to them. If your dog attempts to ingest an item, remove it immediately from their mouth.
 

Food Enrichment

Making mealtime fun, challenging and interactive is a great way to satisfy your dog’s innate instincts and curiosities. Every meal is an opportunity for enrichment, and food puzzles are a great way to slow down your dog’s eating and provide mental stimulation. You can easily make the following puzzles with household items!
 

Muffin Tin Puzzle

 

What You’ll Need:

• Muffin tin

• Tennis balls and/or other toys

• Dog or puppy kibble

How To:

• Distribute kibble in multiple tins.

• Place toys on top of kibble.

 
Box Puzzle

 

What You’ll Need:

• Three boxes that can nest in each other

• High-value “smelly” treat(s)

How To:

• Place treat(s) inside smallest box; fold top of box.

 
Paper Roll Puzzle

 

What You’ll Need:

• Paper towel roll

• Treats

How to:

• Fold one end of the roll, place treat(s) inside.

• Fold the other end of the roll.

 
Snuffle Mat

 

What You’ll Need:

• High-pile bathroom mat, or fleece strips tied to a rubber mat

• Dog or puppy kibble

How to:

• Place and hide kibble throughout mat.

 
Environmental Enrichment

Keeping the inside of your home stimulating and fun will help decrease boredom and decrease potential behavioral issues. Get creative! Take a look at the following in-home activities you can offer your dog to promote appropriate behaviors.

 
Make Your Own Flirt Pole

 

What You’ll Need:

• 1" diameter PVC pipe or broom handle

• Rope

• Dog Toy

How to: 

If there is not a hole in the pole you are using, drill a hole big enough to get the rope you are using through the hole.  Tie the rope securely to the pole and to a toy.  You can also drill a hole through a ball and tie the rope to that.  When playing with the pole, dangle the toy almost in reach of the dog and move it around to get their interest.  Sometimes they will catch it but keep them moving for as long as you can.
 

 
Scent Games / Find It

 

Whether you’re playing indoor scent games or you’re out on a walk, it’s incredibly important to allow your dog to use their nose. Sniffing can be stimulating and calming and allows your dog to gather information on their environment. You can help them sniff things out in fun, interesting ways!

What You’ll Need:

• High-value treats

How to:

• Say “find it” and toss a treat close to your dog. When your dog gets the treat praise your dog.

• After your dog starts to get the game slowly start making it hard. Once dogs learn the game you can begin hiding treats for your dog to find.

• Or take a walk at your dog’s pace allowing your dog to stop, sniff and take in the scents.

​

Mary Ann Robertson, BS, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Farm Dog Judge, Certified Service Dog Trainer, FitPaws Master Trainer