DCMO Boces Dog Obedience

11/20/2023

Howdy handlers!

It is with big, sad Otto eyes that I announce that the Fall 2023 session will be my last with DCMO BOCES. I want to thank all of the handlers for joining our classes over the last six and a half years for putting the time, effort, and energy into building a better relationship with their puppies and dogs.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, and keep up the good work! Keep engaging, luring, and rewarding!!

11/15/2023

Somehow it’s been eight weeks already!

Congrats to our Puppy and Dog Basic Obedience classes!

11/08/2023

❄️🌨️❄️

Classes are still on with the winter weather advisory but please use your discretion on if you’re comfortable making the drive in, and home, tonight for class.

❄️🌨️❄️

10/27/2023

🧡🖤 Happy Howl-ween weekend! 🖤🧡

As much fun as we have on All Hallow’s Eve, it can be more trick than treat for our canine companions. As we head into the weekend, be sure to review these tips to help keep everyone safe and happy!

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1.

10/19/2023

Don’t forget, you can practice obedience anywhere! We didn’t get a lot of play time in today so after classes tonight, Otto and I played some retrieve games with our trusty tennis ball then some sit-down-sit and recall… thanks in part to a conveniently empty garage!

As you practice your new skills, the more places and situations you practice in, the more accustomed you and your dog will become to using those skills!

Remember, change happens with set expectations, clear communication, and rewarding our dogs when they get it right with praise, affection and tokens of gratitude (for Otto tonight it was the jerky stick I had in my pocket leftover from class!)

Keep the dedication to making your bond with your dog better and stronger , so proud of everyone making so much progress already!!

10/11/2023

Otto says get your sillies out while you can, it’s back to school tonight for Class Two!

We are going to warm up with the same exercises as last week and will be introducing down and release tonight as well!

We are also going to test our lure from the squares to a straight line 🐾

Remember, bring treats, toys, water dish and wear comfortable clothes and shoes!

10/06/2023

Lick Mats are a great mental activity for your dog to give them a task to focus on while releasing endorphins as they lick.

They can also work as a temporary distraction in difficult situations such as visiting the vet or getting a bath. Otto was happy to watch me make three new mats (but sad to see them go right into the freezer). He will enjoy them over the next few days, one every morning 👅

ALWAYS use small amounts of treats and offer lick mats in moderation, if it’s something new for them be sure to monitor for any GI disruption.

There are a lot of healthy options for lick mats, served fresh or frozen, use one or as Otto prefers, a little assortment! You can also do the same and put small amounts of food inside of rubber toys such Kongs (be sure to wash daily after your dog has had its fill of fun!)

- your dog’s canned food
- smashed bananas
- plain Greek yogurt
- low sodium chicken or beef broth
- puréed watermelon
- unsweetened applesauce
- pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- peanut butter (no xylitol, natural is best!)
- puréed blueberries

10/05/2023

What a GREAT first night of classes!

I always love seeing how the puppies, dogs and their handlers work their way through Class One from the first exercise to the last. It can be challenging and even frustrating to learn new things and approaches and everyone gave it their all tonight!

Keep up the good work at home with engaging with your dog, using lure to walk short distances and to guide them into a sit force-free.

See everyone back next Wednesday!

10/04/2023

Otto wants to know how are those “eye exams” going at home?

Keep practicing lure with your four legged friend along with being exciting and engaging as to draw their attention to you!

Our first class we are going to use lure in a variety of exercises and work on getting the attention of your puppies and dogs with a new environment. We will also be testing out our first sit on command and handling exercise… a busy night is in store!

Remember to:
- Bring treats, leash, collar, and water bowl for your dog
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- And bring any questions you may have!

09/28/2023

We made it through orientation, so that means we are on to homework for Class One!

Make sure you review the handling work sheet and do an honest assessment of how to score your dog from 1 (can’t do) to 5 (perfect!). Feel free to share below what ones you found they scored the highest (and lowest) on.

Also start introducing your LURE hand. Warm up with your “eye exams” and then put things in motion (check out the video link for what’s coming up next!)

Also, practice engaging with your dog, make exciting sounds, move around, get them focused on you and most importantly… praise them when they do! Use that high positive voice, reward with trays and toys and lots of physical affection.

And don’t forget, read through the orientation section at least once before next week and mark anything you have questions on 👍🏼

See you next Wednesday handlers!!!

Heel Games are a series of fun games and exercises to teach puppies a heel position.Heel Games - The Lure uses treats or toys to lure the puppy into a heel p...