Fur and Feather Works, LLC

Dog training, cat training, and parrot training for Reno, NV and the surrounding areas.

Dog training, cat training, and parrot training
for Reno, NV and the surrounding areas.

9475 Double R Blvd., Ste 12, Reno, NV 89521

Call today! (775) 420-2322

 

Sarah Espinoza-Sokal

How to Groom a Dog with Long Hair at Home

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If you added a long-haired dog to your family without realizing how much maintenance their coat requires, don’t feel bad – you’re not alone!

The luxurious fur of a long-haired dog adds to their charm, but it also requires regular attention to keep it looking its best. Grooming your long-haired dog is not just about aesthetics; it’s essential for their comfort and well-being.

Brushing: The Foundation of Grooming

Regular brushing is the cornerstone of maintaining a long-haired dog’s coat. This essential step prevents mats and tangles and keeps the fur clean and healthy. The frequency of brushing will depend on your dog’s breed and coat type, but as a general rule, aim for at least a few times a week.

Start by choosing the right brush for your dog’s coat. Slicker brushes, pin brushes, and combs are all good options, but be sure to consult your groomer or veterinarian for specific recommendations. The best brush for your dog will depend on his or her coat type.

When brushing your long-haired dog:

  • Begin at the tips and work your way towards the roots to avoid pulling and causing discomfort.
  • Pay extra attention to areas that tend to tangle, like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
  • Use a gentle, steady hand to avoid hurting your dog.

Bathing: Keeping the Coat Clean

Bathing is another crucial aspect of long-haired dog grooming. While over-bathing can strip their coat of essential oils, regular baths are necessary to keep their fur clean and prevent odors and skin issues.

Here’s how to bathe your long-haired dog:

  • Use a dog-specific shampoo that suits your dog’s coat type and skin sensitivities.
  • Thoroughly wet your dog’s coat, making sure to reach the skin.
  • Lather the shampoo, starting from the neck and moving towards the tail, being careful to avoid the eyes, ears, and mouth.
  • Rinse thoroughly, ensuring there’s no leftover shampoo residue.
  • Towel dry your dog and, if needed, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to finish the drying process.

If your dog has regular appointments with a professional groomer (which we strongly recommend!), they may not require baths between appointments. Even so, it is good to have proper supplies on hand in the event your dog comes home muddy, dirty, or stinky from their latest adventure.

Managing Mats and Tangles

Despite your best efforts, mats and tangles can still occur, especially in areas where your dog’s fur rubs against itself or frequently gets wet. Pay special attention to these areas so you can address mats and tangles before they become unmanageable.

Be gentle when you tease out mats with your fingers or a mat splitter. Pulling on mats can be painful for your dog, just like it is painful when someone pulls your hair. Be patient and err on the side of caution if your dog seems uncomfortable or defensive. Your dog is likely to escalate to growling or snapping if you are ignoring their efforts to communicate and continuing to cause them pain.

If you cannot work through a mat without your dog showing signs of discomfort, it is best to stop and engage a professional groomer to address the problem.

When it comes to maintaining your dog’s long coat, knowledge is power.

Knowing the right tools and techniques will help you maintain your dog’s coat as effectively and efficiently as possible. Brushing doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore!

Speak with your professional groomer about resources to learn how to better care for your dog’s coat; we guarantee you they have recommendations.

You can also attend our free Grooming Your Fluffy Dog at Home Workshop! During this two-hour workshop a professional groomer will teach you the fundamentals of proper at-home grooming to maintain your dog’s coat between grooming appointments.

Contact us to find out more about this invaluable class.

What to Do About a Dog Who Barks and Lunges

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First things first. If you have a dog who barks and lunges at others dogs or people (a “reactive dog” as it’s commonly known), please hear this: you are not alone and it is not your fault!
 
Got it? The first and most important thing you can do to begin helping yourself and your dog through this challenge is to stop feeling guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed about it.
 
It’s also, by the way, not your dog’s fault. He is stressed and struggling as much as you when these outbursts occur.
 
Now that we’ve sorted that out, the second thing you can do right now is avoid rehearsal of the problem behavior. If your dog can’t take a walk in the neighborhood without having an outburst of barking and lunging (or several), those neighborhood walks are adding more stress to his life than anything else.
 
You may already have noticed there is little you can do to get his attention in the midst of a reactive outburst. No scolding OR reward that really matters to him. That’s because he is TOO DISTRESSED to notice these things, let alone process what they mean.
 
Meanwhile, that stress builds up over time for both of you, which makes outbursts grow more common and more severe. Although it may seem like avoidance is a “band-aid solution,” it IS the first step in long-term change. You’ll be surprised how much better you and your dog will feel without the constant worry.
 
So, to break this cycle, think outside the box for meeting your dog’s needs. Walk in places or at times of day when you’ll be unlikely to see other dogs – consider covering less distance in your walks, but letting your dog sniff more.
 
If that isn’t available, replace walks with more training and enrichment activities. Trick training, nose work training, food puzzles, food scatters, playing with you… these are all things that can be done at home to help fulfill your dog’s daily needs without exposing him to stressful walks.
 
Lastly, please get help! This problem is so common, and we professional dog trainers have well-developed, kind, and effective ways of addressing it. Please get in touch if you and your dog are ready for relief!

ONLINE Understanding Your Reactive Dog Workshop, August 2023

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The most common problem we address through private training is dogs who have become “reactive” – usually to other dogs, but sometimes towards people as well.
 
A reactive dog is one who kind of “loses it” when he sees the thing that triggers him. He might start whining or barking, lunging towards the other dog, growling, or otherwise having a fit! This is stressful for EVERYONE involved!
 
This behavior typically cannot be addressed in a class setting, and we know not everyone is able to invest in private training. So we put together the Understanding Reactive Dogs Workshop so we can help you understand this problem behavior and teach you how best to prevent or address it.
 
Topics covered in this workshop include:
  • Why dogs become reactive.
  • How to talk about it with other people. (We know; it’s embarrassing!)
  • How to judge what your dog can and cannot handle.
  • What to do when she is barking and lunging.
  • How to tell a reaction is coming before your dog explodes.
  • What to do when off-leash dogs run up to you.
  • Stress-free ways to exercise your dog’s body and mind.

Although it may FEEL like you’re the only one with a dog this crazy, you are definitely not. It is SO common, and we dog trainers have well-practiced and effective techniques for addressing it. We want to help you and your dog get relief from the stress of reactivity!

When: Tuesday August 15, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: ONLINE!
This workshop will be held online via Zoom. You will be sent a link once you register. Join us from the comfort of your couch!

Tuition: $75

Please EMAIL US if you have any questions or would like to get signed up!

Walking Politely On Leash is Harder Than You Think

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Walking calmly and politely on leash (aka: NOT pulling) is one of the most common skills pet parents want their dogs to learn. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most difficult, especially for an exuberant young dog. This ISN’T because your dog is trying to defy or disrespect you, and it isn’t because he is stubborn… it’s simply because walking at a human’s pace on a loose leash is very, very hard!

Here are just some of the reasons polite leash walking is particularly challenging:

  1. You’re working against your dog’s instincts and default behaviors. Imagine how absurd the human concept of a leashed walk must seem to your dog. She is fascinated by scents you can’t perceive, naturally travels at a faster speed than you, and this walk is often the most exciting part of her day. While it makes perfect sense to YOU to walk at a steady pace down the sidewalk, it makes NONE to her. None! Please be prepared to patiently TEACH her what you expect.
  2. Pulling is REWARDING. Remember, dogs don’t think about what is right or wrong, but rather what works or doesn’t work. The truth is, pulling on leash works for dogs A LOT. If they… pull towards an enticing scent and get to smell it… pull towards another dog or human and get to greet them… pull in the direction of the dog park and get to go there… ALL of these things are strong rewards for pulling!
  3. Humans are inconsistent. It takes consistency and repetition to teach your dog that your idea of appropriate walking behavior works better than his default tendencies! If you are tired or in a hurry one day and rush through your walk, allowing your dog to pull you along, you ARE undermining your training. If training reliable loose-leash walking is your goal, you will need to commit to it!

We don’t share all this to discourage you, but to help you have compassion for your dog’s point of view. Don’t be frustrated by her pulling or darting back and forth on leash; she has good reason to behave exactly this way.

Don’t be frustrated at yourself either! There is a lot that is counterintuitive about dog training, and loose leash walking in particular.

And if you’re ready for more relaxing leash walks, let us show you how to get there in our three-week Walkabout Class!

Control Yourself! A Workshop for Impulsive Pooches

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Is your dog’s enthusiasm for life a bit – er – much sometimes? If your pooch’s leaping around on leash, jumping up, grabbing things, and door dashing have become more of an embarrassment than comedic relief, this fun one-hour workshop is for you!

*Please note that this workshop is not appropriate for dogs who growl, bark and/or lunge at dogs or people out of fear, frustration, or aggression. We’d be happy to help you with this issue in private training! Rather, this workshop is for dogs full of cheerful overexuberance.

Guided by one of our expert, certified trainers, you’ll learn various training techniques that will help your spirited friend learn to control himself, even when there are distractions, and especially when there’s something he wants, so that he can be a welcomed participant in all areas of your life.

“Teddy and I really enjoyed the Control Yourself workshop and the instructor Monica! Teddy has a good sense of what is expected of him once he calms down, and you taught ME how to help him find that sweet spot.  I like that he waits by my side.  Thank you!”

       – excited dog mom, Nancy, and her 9-month-old Goldendoodle, Teddy

When: Saturday July 22 at 4:30pm

Where: 9475 Double R Blvd., Ste 12, Reno, Nevada 89521 (The Fur and Feather Works training center.)

Prerequisites: Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners, or equivalent level of training. If you aren’t sure, just ask!

Tuition: $45

To sign up or if you have questions, please email us at [email protected] or call (775) 420-2322. We look forward to conversing with you!

The Myth of The Wagging Tail

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If a dog is is wagging his tail, it means he’s happy, right? If another dog is wagging his tail at your dog, he’s friendly, right? This is “conventional wisdom,  – weren’t we all taught this as kids? And it’s also wrong. When we do private training sessions, it’s common for mystified  clients to tell us “but he was wagging his tail when he bit!”
 
When a dog wags his tail, it signals a willingness to interact with what he’s looking at. That’s all. 
 
A wagging tail can indicate a variety of emotions in a dog and can even be a warning. Does this dog want to be petted or to chase you off his turf? The intent of the interaction can be deduced from the rest of his body language and expression. A wagging tail is NOT conclusive – it’s just a small piece of the puzzle.
 
The myth of the wagging tail grossly over-simplifies the finer points of canine communication, and it’s downright dangerous, especially for kids, who are more likely to miss subtle body language signals and make impulsive movements.
 
If you want to know how to accurately predict whether a dog is friendly or not — either to you, your dog, or your children — our Learn To Speak Dog Workshop is for you. Let us teach you to read canine body language like a pro!
 
Tuition is $125 if you’d like to bring your own dog to participate in the demo portion of the workshop, or $100 if you’d like to come alone so you can focus on the presentation and discussion.
 

Start Puppy Training Right Away!

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Have you ever heard you can’t start training a puppy until they’re six months old?
 
Not that long ago, this was considered common wisdom, because it was easy to injure a younger puppy with the correction-based training methodology MOST people followed back then. Basically, you can’t use a choke chain or slip lead on a dog younger than six months, because you can collapse their fragile trachea. And if this is the tool you’re using to train … yes, you can’t start until the dog is old enough to physically handle a correction without being permanently injured.
 
Times have changed SO much! Your eight-week old puppy is fully capable of learning so much about what you expect from her, and modern-day training methods are safe, kind, and completely appropriate to start from the day you bring her home. With modern, positive reinforcement based dog training, there is no risk of injury to your little one.
 
After all, puppy brains are sponges for new information and experiences, and you can bet she IS learning SOMETHING, whether you’re training her on purpose or not. If you get ahead of that rapid learning, and make sure she’s learning what you WANT her to learn, then she’s less likely to learn what you DON’T want her to learn … like running away when you call her, stealing your socks, and digging up the yard.
 
If you want to make sure she’s learning the right lessons about listening to you, behaving appropriately in public, and being well-mannered and non-destructive in your home, then join us in Puppy Kindergarten!
 
You can start this six-week class as soon as your puppy has been in your home for two weeks, and has seen your veterinarian for a clean bill of health. We require that pups have started their puppy shots, but they don’t have to have completed them yet. 
 
The first few months of a puppies life are the BEST time to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of joyful companionship. Let us help you make the most of it!
 
Contact us for more information and to get started today!

Container Palooza Sniff N’ Go

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Join us at Fur and Feather Works for a super fun sniff n’ go with containers in all sorts of weird and wonderful forms, including buried hides!

We will be offering several different search areas, unexpected set ups, prizes for perfect runs, and a cute photo booth! In other words, you don’t want to miss this!

We can’t wait for you to see our five, themed search areas!

  • Cities of the World (boxes)
  • Laundry Day (hanging containers)
  • Dominoes (boxes)
  • Tropical Vacation (unusual containers)
  • The Beach (buried hides)

The Details:

  • Where: Fur and Feather Works (9475 Double R Blvd. Ste 12)
  • When: Friday June 9, 4:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Cost: $10/search area or $40 for all five!
Entries for this event are now closed. Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for the next one!

Reward-Based Dog Training Doesn’t Work For My Dog.

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Have you ever thought reward-based dog training just doesn’t work for YOUR dog?
 
A lot of people do! The thing to realize is: motivation can be complicated, and “rewards” are not always what you intended them to be. And, you need a bit of knowledge and skill to wield them properly, to maximum effect.
 
If you call your dog away from playing with a friend, “reward” him with a treat, then leash him up and put him in the car… was he rewarded by the treat? Or punished by the end of playtime?
 
It would depend on the individual dog, but it’s likely that it’s a little of both. And you might notice which was more meaningful to him next time you try to call him away from playing with a friend … and he ignores you!

This doesn’t mean reward-based dog training doesn’t work. It just means you accidentally punished the behavior you meant to reward.
 
This happen SO often! Humans aren’t born naturally understanding motivation, rewards, and dog body language and behavior. It has to be learned. And we, the professional dog geeks of Fur and Feather Works, really want to help you avoid this common pitfall and experience the kind of joyful relationship effective reward-based training will create with your dog. There’s no such thing as magic in animal training (no matter what you see on YouTube) – it’s all just science. It’s just a skill to be learned.
 
And you know what? We also love making it FUN to learn!
 
We have dog training classes ranging from Puppy Kindergarten to Therapy Dog training, fun classes like Super Tricks and Nose Work, private training for more individualized coaching, and lots of things in between. Contact us to find out where you and your dog can get started!

Mindful Training for Peak Performance

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Fur and Feather Works is excited to host this ONLINE seminar series on mental management, taught by Teah Anders!

Who is Teah Anders, you ask? Teah Anders has been working with dogs and handlers helping them communicate and learn behaviors for the past 24 years. In addition to being one of the first instructors in the country certified by Olympic gold medalist, Lanny Bassham to teach his proven Mental Management System™,  Teah is also a Nose Work instructor at Gentle Touch Pet Training, instructs at NACSW/Dogs of Course Nose Work Camps, and is a NACSW Trial and ORT Certifying Official and Judge.

In this seminar series, we will explore what makes an excellent dog sport handler and how your efficiency as a handler will affect your dog’s performance in training and trialing. As a professional dog trainer, these same skills and techniques can be used to deal with challenging situations, difficult clients and group presentations.

Teah will cover how to:

  • Understand the elements of performance so you and your dog can perform at your best
  • Focus and perform under pressure to the best of your abilities
  • Discover what makes excellent performance easy when handling a dog
  • Set goals that are realistic and yet allow you and your dog to stretch as a team
  • Develop tools to track your performance and accomplish goals easily
  • Have consistent performance as a handler and avoid mistakes that will throw your dog off
  • Understand how the way you perceive yourself and your dog impacts your performance as a team, and how to change that perception
  • As a dog trainer or business owner, smoothly handle difficult situations such as the client “meltdown” or unexpected incidents during a class.
  • Teach your clients to be not only efficient, but stellar trainers

Here are the deets:

  • When: Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, March 21 – April 11 (that is four consecutive Tuesdays)
  • Where: On Zoom. Pajamas optional!
  • Tuition: $200
  • How do I get signed up? Email [email protected] to enroll!
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Fur and Feather Works

Serving Reno Nevada

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