Success Story: Fuji!

Meet Fuji, the Aussiedoodle!

Despite living a very privileged life (early socialization, good nutrition, loving, gentle home), at around 1 year old Fuji started to display some fear based reactivity. This isn’t uncommon, actually, and often has a genetic component – think of human mental illnesses manifesting in early adulthood. She’s very worried about unknown dogs and humans, things that move fast (bikes and joggers), and basically anything she deems out of the ordinary – which can be a lot. She also hated people coming near her chews and treats. All in all, life was stressful for both Fuji and her people!

Here’s where training comes in.

Fuji has been working hard with our trainer Ericka on learning what to do when she sees a Scary Thing, and her humans know exactly what to do to help her feel better. She no longer resource guards her valued chewies. Day by day, week by week, Fuji has become much braver and much less reactive, and has even made some new friends – both human AND dog! (This is her with stimulus dog, Apollo.)

It’s NOT “all in how you raise them.”

Fuji would like you to know that sometimes, it’s not “all in how you raise them.” Troubled dogs are not always caused by anything their owner has done. Sometimes, everything can go right in how a dog is raised, and they just drew the short straw when it comes to “bravery genes.” Some of us need more support from our communities than others, and that’s okay! Go Fuji go, with your new brave self!

Cool Activities for Hot Days

With the State of Nevada Office of Epidemiology advising the public to stay away from many of our favorite doggy swimming holes (like Washoe Lake and smaller pools around Lake Tahoe) due to toxic blue-green algae, avoiding standing water this summer is probably a good plan. But, what are you supposed to do to entertain, enrich, and tire out your dog if it’s too dang hot to play outside, and you can’t go swimming? Here, have some ideas, friends:

Teach a new trick.

Ideas: shake, roll over, speak, spin, or high five – there are lots of tutorials on YouTube. Or, check out our next Super Tricks class!

Feed a meal in an interactive puzzle toy.

We like the Kong Wobler, Buster Cube, Kibble Nibble, or Bob-a-Lot for their durability, rattling sounds, and unpredictable movement.

Build a homemade mini agility course

…in the backyard, using hula-hoops, kids’ play tunnels, mini pools, poles, and whatever else you can think of. Kids love this one, too. Help the kiddos lure your dog through the various obstacles. Fastest lurer to do the whole course wins!

Scavenger Hunt

Leave your dog inside while you hide kibble or treats around your back yard. Remember where you left it – you may need to help your dog find it in the beginning.

Puppy Ping Pong.

One person restrains the dog while another person calls the dog and rewards them with a treat or a toy when they arrive. Now switch!

Hide and Seek (another kid-friendly favorite!)

Have one person restrain your dog while you hide from them. Make noises until they find you and reward with something yummy! If your dog has a reliable down or sit stay, you only need one person for this game.

Bobbing for Apples

Fill a kiddy pool in your yard with a few inches of water, and toss some apple pieces in there. Watch your dog learn the new skill of fishing them out! (Not an apple fan? try freeze

-dried meat treats, or any treat that floats.)

On again / Off again

Lure your dog onto a mat or their bed with a treat, and reward once all four feet are on it. Ask for a sit or down stay. Release your dog with a verbal cue and then throw a treat away from the mat. Repeat. How fast can you get your dog to go to their mat?

Have an idea? Let’s hear it in the comments!