Friday, January 19, 2024

🐕 A guide to clicker training

"I once decided not to date a guy because he wasn't excited to meet my dog. I mean, this was like not wanting to meet my mother."
- Bonnie Schacter

 
Happy Friday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know...?
Joke: What's a dog's favorite car?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Social Tees helps NYC Dogs and Cats
Social Tees Animal Rescue is a no-kill rescue that is foster-based. Starting as as a tee-shirt company in 1991, it later transitioned to an animal rescue in 2001. In addition to helping NYC animals, they partner with shelters in locations with a higher euthanasia rate than the northeast. 

Social Tees advocates for the benefits of a foster-based system and believes it is the healthiest option. Dogs and cats are able to stay in a caring household and receive one-on-one training. Each animal in their care receives all their vaccines, microchips, and any other medications and treatments needed. 

Additionally, the organization puts a lot of energy into each animal's adoption. Setting realistic expectations and teaching adopters about pet care can help ensure that the placement will work and avoid any animals having to return to the shelters. The East Village office is used for events and to help build a community of pet owners and pet lovers. 

Check out their adoptable animals or see if there's an event near you to support them in person. Thanks to this incredible organization for all their hard work in the Big Apple!
Image courtesy of Social Tees Animal Rescue
A Guide to Clicker Training for Dogs
Clickers are one of the most popular ways to train your dog. They are small handheld devices that make a specific noise to mark desired behaviors. It works as a clear way to communicate with our dogs. It's incredibly effective because the dog associates the click with a positive consequence, like a treat. The sound from the clicker never changes and doesn't have any tone or emotions, which is why it's so effective with our pups!

You don't need many tools to get started. The training clicker is the most important item needed and it can be found at your local dog shop or online through a quick google search. It's a small handheld device with a metal strip that makes the click sound. High-value treats are also important to reward the desired behaviors. Pro tip: Use a treat bag to keep them easily accessible. A target stick can help your dog with movements or teach them to touch a specific spot. And finally, a training mat is a designated spot for training and signals to your dog that it's time to focus. 

Step-by-Step Training
  1. Establish the meaning of the clicker by linking the reward to the click. You need your dog to understand the click. Find a quiet, distraction-free place. Click and then immediately give your dog a treat. Do this 10-20 times per session. 
  2. Press the clicker when your dog performs the desired behavior. This is called "marking." The timing is important. You need to watch your dog and mark anytime that they perform a specific action. 
  3. Reward your dog with a treat. Immediately after clicking, you should reward your dog with a high-value treat. This helps them form the connection between the behavior and the reward. 
  4. Repeat the process until the behavior is learned. Consistency is so important in every type of training. You need your dog to associate the click with the reward. 
  5. Add verbal cues. Use a verbal cue before using the clicker, and your dog will begin associating this word with the desired action. 
  6. Fade out the clicker. Once your pup learns the behavior and responds to the verbal cues, you can start to phase out the clicker. 
There are pros and cons to every type of training, but clicker training is simple to get started with. Your dog is getting immediate feedback and more consistency with the clicker's cues. Try this out with your dog today and see if this method works well for your training goals!
Image courtesy of Rover
Tips To Keep Your Pup Healthy In 2024
Ensuring your dog leads a healthy and happy life involves more than just regular walks and tasty treats. Incorporating a holistic approach to their well-being is key.
  • Tailored Nutrition: Prioritize a balanced diet based on your dog's breed, size, and age. Consult your vet for personalized nutritional guidance.

  • Regular Exercise: Engage in activities that match your dog's energy level, such as fetch, hikes, or playful games, to maintain physical health and prevent obesity.

  • Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to catch any potential health concerns early and ensure proactive care.

  • Dental Hygiene: Don't overlook dental care. Brush your dog's teeth regularly and provide dental chews or toys for optimal oral health.

  • Mental Stimulation: Keep your dog's mind active with stimulating toys and puzzles. Mental exercise is as important as physical activity for their overall well-being.

  • Comfortable Sleep Space: Provide a comfortable and safe space for quality sleep, contributing to their overall health and happiness.

  • Bonding and Affection: Shower your dog with love and attention to strengthen the emotional bond between you and your furry friend. A strong connection positively impacts their emotional well-being.

By incorporating these lifestyle tips, you enhance your dog's health and well-being while fostering a deeper connection in your unique relationship.

Make Mental Health Your Top New Year's Resolution
Step into 2024 with strength and clarity.

BetterHelp is your partner in turning aspirations into achievements. Confront life's challenges with confidence, supported by professional therapists via text, phone, or video call. Start your journey today and witness the transformation that awaits.

Your resolutions aren't just dreams—they're achievable goals with the right support and guidance from BetterHelp.

Embrace Change and Save 25% with BetterHelp.
Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
A Musical Pup Plays the Wind Chimes
Bleu is a golden retriever who really loves to sing. She discovered her talents when she was just a pup, thanks to a yard decoration that her mom, Ana Brown, hung up in the yard. When Bleu was four months old, she accidentally head-butted wind chimes in the backyard. There was an instant connection, and she started singing along.

As a result, Brown is rewarded with immense enjoyment as Bleu sings along and dances to the chimes on a daily basis. After sharing the musical performances on Facebook, it has gone viral. After all, who can resist  a performance this adorable? 
Tips To Help Your Vision-Impaired Pup
Caring for a dog with poor vision requires special attention and adjustments to ensure they lead a happy and fulfilled life.
  1. Auditory Cues: Dogs with poor vision can benefit from auditory cues. Use distinctive sounds to communicate commands and guide them through their surroundings.

  2. Scent-Based Training: Leverage scent-based training. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and associating scents with specific actions can aid in positive reinforcement.

  3. Safe Environment: Create a safe and predictable environment. Minimize obstacles in their living space, and consider using textured pathways to help them navigate with confidence.

  4. Tactile Stimulation: Use tactile cues for communication. Gentle touches and cues through physical contact can help your dog understand your presence and guidance.

  5. Specialized Touch Toys: Invest in toys that engage their sense of touch. Squeaky toys or those with different textures can provide mental stimulation and entertainment.

  6. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their overall health. Poor vision can sometimes be indicative of underlying health issues.

  7. Patience and Encouragement: Be patient and encouraging. Dogs with poor vision may need extra reassurance and positive reinforcement as they navigate their surroundings.

  8. Adapted Playtime: Modify playtime activities to accommodate their vision impairment. Engage in games that rely on other senses, such as scent or touch.

By implementing these tips, you create an environment where your dog with poor vision can thrive. Understanding their needs and finding alternative ways to communicate and engage fosters a strong and loving relationship, promoting their well-being and your connection.

Not glasses. Eye appliances.
It's eyewear that looks good, feels good, and helps you see better than ever.

Caddis Eye Appliances are designed for people who are unapologetically themselves and want their style to support that. Caddis eyewear includes:

- Reading glasses (single vision and progressive readers)
- Prescription lenses
- Sunglasses (reader, prescription, and standard sunglasses with no magnification)

If you're looking for readers that don't look like readers or sunglasses with equal parts stamina and swagger—Caddis makes them.

When manufacturing their glasses, Caddis uses only premium materials, including bio-acetate (FYI, that's the good stuff derived from renewable resources instead of petroleum), nickel-free metal alloys, and industrial hinges. All lenses include anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.

You'll feel the difference the minute they meet your face.

Check out Caddis best sellers now.
Thanks to Caddis for sponsoring The Daily Dig!
🐩 Pet Parent's Corner
As pet parents, we understand how important it is to provide our dogs with everything they could ever need. However, we also recognize that our animals rely on us to take care of ourselves as well. That's why we wanted to provide our readers with a list of items we love for both ourselves, and our canine companions.

This month's theme is winter-based items. Check out some of our favorite winter items of the week below. We hope you, and your canine companion, love them as much as we do!  

    🥰 Gray Penguin Warmies by Warmies
    🧶 Cotton Weighted Blanket by Bearaby 
    🦮 Soft Shield Boots Throw by Canada Pooch

If you can think of other items you would like included in next week's Pet Parent's Corner, feel free to reply to this email or send them over to woof@dailydigdogs.com. 
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: A Furrari!
  • 🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in the winter. This could be anything from your pup playing in the snow, to your pup cozily curled up inside. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
  • 💭 Do Air Purifiers Help Asthma and Other Conditions?: Air purifiers have become increasingly popular in homes over recent years as people have taken extra steps to care for their health. But you may be wondering: How do they work — and are they really effective?...
Share the puppy love
Know a fellow dog lover whose day would be brighter with a dose of Daily Dig? Refer them using your personal link: 
  P.S. You have referred 0 people so far. Check out the rewards you can earn for referring! 
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Copyright © 2024 Daily Dig, All rights reserved.
You're receiving this email because you subscribed to Daily Dig newsletter or entered a sweepstakes where Daily Dig was a partner. We hope you enjoy our delightful dog news delivered daily to your inbox!

Our mailing address is:
Daily Dig
1135 Auto Center Drive
Ontario, CA 91761

Add us to your address book


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
 

No comments: