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

 

The Fur and Feather Blog

Fun and Safety for Kids and Dogs: January 2023

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Do you have a dog lover at home between the ages of 8 and 12 years old? The Fun and Safety for Kids and Dogs workshop was made for them!

Parents must accompany kids and their dog to the workshop, but are encouraged to have a seat and hand over the leash for a while. During this 90-minute workshop we’ll help your young dog-lover:

  • Teach their dog some adorable tricks
  • Learn fun games to play with their dog
  • Understand basic dog body language so they can “communicate” with their friend better
  • Understand how to stay safe around dogs

Where: Fur and Feather Works
9475 Double R Blvd., Ste 12, Reno, NV

When: Saturday January 7 at 2:00pm

Tuition: $35

If you have any questions or would like to reserve your spot, contact us ASAP!

Therapy Dog & Handler Spotlight: Ericka Kinsey & Apollo

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At Fur and Feather Works, we are proud to support students with an interest in Therapy Dog work in pursuing this noble goal. Our Therapy Dog and Handler class helps dogs take the leap from well-trained pets to registered therapy dogs.

Is therapy work for you and your dog? Therapy Dog & Handler Spotlights help you decide. In this Spotlight, get to know Fur and Feather Works trainer, Ericka Kinsey, and her Basset Hound/German Shepherd mix, Apollo.

Ericka, how did you and Apollo get involved in therapy dog work? Apollo is a rescue who was re-homed to me by a friend when she realized her life couldn’t include a dog. He and my other dog, Sadie, had walked and played together, so I knew they were a good fit for each other. Apollo’s a mellow, unflappable dog who loves to eat, cuddle, and sleep. I decided right away that he’d be wonderful for pet therapy.

What kind of therapy visits do you and Apollo do? We’ve done pet therapy visits to the Regional 911 Dispatch Center, and are involved with Paws2Read, a monthly event organized by Paws4Love-Reno, where children read to visiting dogs at local libraries. It’s fun to watch the children interact with and show pictures to Apollo! We also bring weekly pet therapy to Renown Regional Medical Center, where Apollo has numerous fans.

What do you enjoy about therapy dog work? I love watching Apollo bring joy, love, and laughter to stressed employees and families. I remember a young woman who had flown in from New Jersey to visit her father in the ICU. She started to cry, and Apollo leaned into her as she stroked him. Another time visitors who had just lost a family member all wanted to visit and pet Apollo, as if knowing they would be comforted.

Do you have advice for people considering training their dog for therapy work? My advice for anyone interested in training their dog for pet therapy is to learn about the certification criteria, determine if their dog fits the eligibility requirements, and attend classes with a positive reinforcement trainer to work towards this goal. Being part of a pet therapy team is a life-enriching experience, so I definitely recommend it!

Therapy Dog and Handler class is only available a few times per year, and it can fill quickly. Get on the wait list for the next offering of this class by emailing [email protected] to express your interest!

Build Your Bond with Super Tricks!

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(The next Super Tricks class is on Mondays at 6:00pm starting July 10, 2023. Don’t miss out! Email [email protected] to secure your spot.)

Most people and their pups come to us to address all the common puppy problems – biting, chewing, peeing in the house, jumping on people, etc. – in our highly-regarded Puppy Kindergarten and Basic Manners classes. But training your dog doesn’t have to stop at relief from your problems.

We interviewed Fur and Feather Works trainer, Heather Christian, on her experience teaching Super Tricks class. Read on to find out how teaching tricks can take your relationship with your dog to the next level:

Heather and her dog Timber on a paddleboardHeather, will you start by telling us about the dogs you have at home? I have two dogs, both Siberian Huskies. Timber is a 2-year-old boy and Willow is a 1-year-old girl.

Do Timber and Willow have favorite tricks? Timber and Willow LOVE tricks! Timber loves “show me your tummy” and “reach for the sky.” Willow loves anything she can jump on or through; she has one mean hoop jump!

What do you love about teaching Super Tricks class? So many things! First, I love to see people having fun with their dogs. Tricks aren’t things your dog has to learn, so there is no pressure and the students are able to relax and enjoy their dogs more. I also love working with the students to figure out how their dog is going to learn each trick. There are so many ways to teach a trick, and it’s a matter of determining how your dog will understand it best. That helps the bond grow between the dog and the human, because people learn to read their dogs better and understand how they learn. Tricks help to build trust and confidence and I love to see that.

What is different about teaching Super Tricks as opposed to teaching Basic Manners? In Basic Manners we are changing dog behaviors that are not fun to live with as humans. We take pulling on leash, jumping up to say hello, barking for what they want, etc. and we show the dog what we’d rather they do instead, so we can live together happily. I love helping people teach their dog manners so they can enjoy each other’s company, and we make learning manners fun. But when it comes to tricks, we aren’t asking them to stop doing dog things. We’re asking them to show us what they’ve got! It brings out a different level of joy and enthusiasm in both dogs and their people.

See examples of the tricks your dog could learn and the fun you could be having together in this highlight video from past Super Tricks students and Fur and Feather Works trainers:

The next Super Tricks class will be on Mondays at 6:00pm, starting July 10, 2023. If you’re ready to grow your communication and relationship with your dog in Super Tricks class, EMAIL US to learn more!

Therapy Dog & Handler Spotlight: Joan Bohmann & Tango

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At Fur and Feather Works, we are proud to support students with an interest in Therapy Dog work in pursuing this noble goal. Our Therapy Dog and Handler class helps dogs take the leap from well-trained pets to registered therapy dogs.

Is therapy work for you and your dog? Therapy Dog & Handler Spotlights will help you decide. In this Spotlight, get to know Fur and Feather Works trainer, Joan Bohmann, and her Chihuahua, Tango.

Joan, how long have you and Tango been doing therapy dog work? Tango and I have been an active therapy dog and handler team since December 2017. He’s a 12.5 year old Chihuahua certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and we are members of Paws 4 Love Reno.

You are more than a member of Paws 4 Love, aren’t you? At my very first meeting with Paws 4 Love, I was asked if I was willing to take on the Vice Presidency and my girlfriend was asked to take on the Paws 2 Read Coordinator job. The current president of Paws 4 Love had unexpectedly passed away and the Board of Directors were shuffling positions and coping with a sudden loss and grief. How do you say “Not yet” in those circumstances? I didn’t and quickly learned the role and responsibility of the Vice President, who is the point of contact for almost all Paws 4 Love Programs (Paws 2 Read, Paws on Campus, Justice Dogs and Crisis Team). I was elected President of Paws 4 Love in January 2022.

What do you enjoy about doing therapy dog work? I have two special joys in being a therapy dog team with Tango. The first is seeing faces light up in surprised smiles when people see him. I recently was at a local high school with Tango and the clerk told me she didn’t see a dog. Well, he’s only about 8 inches high so I lifted him to the counter and the surprised look was priceless. Being so small I can place him on student desks so they can pet him easily. The second joy is teaching people that Chihuahuas can be therapy dogs! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “that’s the nicest Chihuahua I’ve ever met” or variations on the mean Chi theme.  There are two Chihuahuas and a chiweenie in Paws 4 Love.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone new to therapy dog work? An important component of therapy dog work is advocating for your dog. New therapy dog teams are hesitant to speak up if they are concerned about something. I was too. One of our first outings was Paws 2 Read which takes place once a month in every Washoe County Library. The children were so entranced by Tango, they surrounded him and he must have had 5 pairs of little hands petting him at one time. While he was a perfect gentleman, I could tell by his body language he wasn’t having a good time. So, we took a break from Paws 2 Read for a while. Now that he and I are more experienced, I am comfortable asking children to take turns or to pet more gently when needed. It is important to find your dog’s niche. Not every dog is suited for every assignment and that is okay. Give yourself time to discover what fits and find the settings that bring joy to you, your dog and the people you visit!

Therapy Dog and Handler class is only available a few times per year, and it can fill quickly. Get on the wait list for the next offering of this class by emailing [email protected] to express your interest!

Can My Dog Become a Canine Good Citizen?

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Yes! Any dog – no matter its age, breed, or mix of breeds – is eligible to take AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Essentially, the CGC test is a test of your dog’s manners in public. It’s not an obedience test – your dog doesn’t have to have a perfect “heel” – but she does need to be under your control at all times. With a little dedication to your training, you and your dog can master the 10 skills required to attain your CGC.

The 10 skills are:

  1. Accepting a friendly stranger: the tester will greet you, and ask to pet your dog.
  2. Sitting politely for petting: your dog must not jump up, shy away, or show any aggression.
  3. Appearance and grooming: your dog must be clean and well-groomed for their breed or coat type, must be able to be brushed lightly, have both ears examined, and have both front paws handled.
  4. Out for a walk: your dog must be able to walk on a loose leash and follow you if you turn.
  5. Walking through a crowd: your dog must be able to do the above, through a crowd of people.
  6. Sit and down on command and staying in place: for the “stay,” you walk away and come back.
  7. Come when called: from a distance of 10 feet.
  8. Reaction to another dog: You and another team will approach each other, say “hi,” and walk past each other. Your dog must not attempt to go to the other dog, nor shy away or act aggressive.
  9. Reaction to distraction: a loud noise or fast moving object will happen, and your dog must not show aggression or excessive fear.
  10. Supervised separation: a “friendly stranger” will hold your dog’s leash for 3 minutes, as you go out of sight (think: “can you hold my dog for a bit while I use the restroom?”). Your dog must stay relatively calm while waiting for you to return.

To get a better idea of how these skills are tested, watch this demonstration video:

Time training your dog to pass the CGC test is time well-spent. As you can see, the focus is on practical skills that will make life with your dog easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone – you, your dog, and those you may encounter in the course of your lives, whether it’s the vet, the groomer, the day care staff, or just a stranger passing on the sidewalk.

If you’d like to take on this goal and learn to train the best-behaved dog in your neighborhood, we can help! Call (775) 420-2322 or contact us and let us know you’d like to get started!

Therapy Dog & Handler Spotlight: Joanna Moritz & Raven

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At Fur and Feather Works, we are proud to support students with an interest in Therapy Dog work in pursuing this noble goal. Our Therapy Dog and Handler class helps dogs take the leap from well-trained pets to registered therapy dogs.

Is therapy work for you and your dog? We share Therapy Dog & Handler Spotlights to help you decide. In this Spotlight, get to know Fur and Feather Works’ owner, Joanna Moritz, and her 8-year-old Australian Shepherd and registered Therapy Dog, Raven.

Raven at work as a therapy dog.

Joanna, what do you enjoy about doing therapy dog work? I like helping people who need it most and I fully understand the joy and peace that petting a nice dog can bring. If I were stuck in the hospital away from my pets, or going through a really rough patch in my life, I would LOVE a therapy dog visit. I can imagine others feel the same way.  We literally can’t go one shift at Renown without someone saying “you made my day!” and you can tell by the way they say it that they’re not exaggerating.

What kind of places do you visit? Raven and I have a weekly assignment at Renown Regional, at the Starbucks in the Sierra tower, where she greets medical staff and patients. When I can fit it into my schedule, we also visit the Child Advocacy Center, the 911 Dispatch center, and UNR.

What was the hardest part of training Raven for this work? Raven has some environmental sensitivities that we’ve worked hard on, and I remain conscious of them on our visits to make sure she’s having a good time. She doesn’t like shiny, slippery floors; or big, high-ceilinged, echo-y places; and she hates elevators. This means I pick and choose where she goes so she’s happy in her job, and we always take the stairs.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing therapy dog work with their dog or puppy? Be patient. Most dogs don’t make good therapy dogs until they’re at least three years old or so, because young dogs are just so full of spunk and vigor. Also, know your dog. Don’t be afraid to ask for assignments that fit their personality, and reject ones they don’t enjoy. Everyone will understand.

Therapy Dog and Handler class is only available a few times per year, and it can fill quickly. Get on the wait list for the next offering of this class by emailing [email protected] to express your interest!

Hiking with Dogs Workshop

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Hiking with dogs is one of the BEST things about living in Northern Nevada! Join us for this free workshop that covers safety considerations, trail etiquette, essential training, and gear – so you and your dog can enjoy your time on the trail.

We will discuss:

  • Leash laws: when you have to use a leash and when you can skip it
  • How to share the trail responsibly with other trail users
  • How to respond to other people’s loose dogs (or children)
  • Essential training for outdoor adventures, including coming when called and polite leash walking
  • Gear to make your trips fun and easy (Did you know there’s a coat that keeps your dog cool? And a way for your dog to carry his own leash?)
  • First aid for the trail

When: Saturday May 14 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Where: Fur and Feather Works Training Center

Please note:

  • The workshop is FREE, but please RSVP so we know to expect you.
  • Please leave your dog at home. They will enjoy putting what you learn into practice, we promise.
  • All you need to bring is a way to take notes and a sense of humor!

Call (775) 420-2322 or email us to RSVP today!

 

 

How to Stuff a KONG Toy

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Stuffed KONGs are a classic and versatile food puzzle toy.

Food puzzle toys require time, patience and problem-solving—all skills that are good for your dog and will help her enjoy quiet time alone. Since our dogs’ wild counterparts spend much of their time scavenging for food, food puzzle toys offer a natural solution to pet-dog boredom

Here are some KONG stuffing suggestions for every level of canine cunning.

  • Easy: Put a milk bone, piece of freeze-dried treat, or similar hard cookie in the KONG. Make sure it goes in easily. Allow your dog to knock it out and eat it. Many dogs need to get some easy success at the KONG so that they understand the point of playing with it, and this is a good way to start.
  • Medium: Layer the inside of the KONG with peanut butter, canned dog food, plain yogurt, or a similar soft, sticky medium. Jam various treats, cookies, kibble etc. in there tightly, layering with your sticky medium as needed to hold it all together.
  • Hard: See above, except squeeze the sides of the KONG so that the opening becomes wider in one direction. Work some treats inside that don’t fit through the hole unless the KONG is squeezed (dried chicken strips or heart-shaped dog cookies are great for this). They won’t fall back out until your dog has either softened them up, or crushed them inside the KONG.
  • Time-delayed, for the dog with a KONG-PhD: Plug the KONG’s small hole with peanut butter or a green pea, then turn it upside down in a cup. Fill with canned dog food (if you put the canned food in a plastic baggie then cut the corner off of the baggie, you can squeeze it in there like a frosting bag. Or, the canned food will be “pourable” if you mix it with a bit of water. Otherwise just jam it in there with a fork.) Freeze. Deliver to the especially KONG-savvy dog for a satisfying challenge.

Use stuffed KONG’s liberally to entertain your active puppies and young dogs.

We’d suggest feeding your dog at least one meal per day in a stuffed KONG or other food puzzle toy. Boredom is one of the biggest causes of behavior problems in pet dogs, and allowing your pup to eat a meal from a puzzle toy is one of the easiest ways to counteract that. A stuffed KONG is an excellent thing to give your pup when you want her to settle down and nap, or especially when you’re going to leave her alone for a while.

Train Your Puppy to be Left Home Alone

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It’s essential to TEACH your puppy that being alone is OK!

We get it; it’s hard not to spend every waking minute with your adorable, cuddly new puppy! But having your puppy be the center of your universe can set him up for anxiety in the future. Take deliberate steps NOW to build your puppy’s tolerance for being left alone, so he can grow into a well-adjusted pet who can cope with the demands of your life.

Being alone does not come naturally.

Up until the day you brought your puppy home, she was likely surrounded almost 24/7 by her litter mates. All that time, screaming and barking have served her as THE strategy to reunite with the litter or mom, should she ever find herself alone. Adjusting to a new reality in which she will often be alone is a HUGE transition for your puppy!

There are simple strategies to teach your puppy that being alone is OK.

  • Create a positive association with being crated. Crate training helps you potty train your puppy AND teach him to relax when left alone. To create a great association with the crate, make it a guaranteed source of good things. Feed your puppy dinner in the crate, leave yummy stuffed KONGs in the crate, and offer the most comfortable bedding in the crate.
  • Practice confinement to your puppy’s crate or ex-pen when you’re home. Your job? Ignore (yes ignore!) your puppy. Then frequently reward him with a bit of food or a tasty chew as long as he stays quiet. Start as close to the crate or ex-pen as needed to set him up for success, then gradually create more distance. Having your puppy eat meals and stuffed KONGs in a crate while you’re relaxing nearby is invaluable settle-down practice.
  • Leave your puppy with something GREAT to chew, like a stuffed KONG or bully stick. Start with short absences, perhaps just 10 minutes in another room, and build from there. If you have a screeching monkey of a pup, ignore for a few minutes and see if she will quickly calm down. If not, talk to your trainer; we can help!

Set your puppy up for home-alone success by providing exercise and entertainment.

  • For some puppies, a food bowl is just waaay too easy! Try a food dispensing toy for a hands-off way to satisfy your puppy’s brain and jaws. “Buster Cube,” “Kibble Nibble,” and “Tug-A-Jug” are a few of our favorite products. They dispense your puppy’s kibble meal slowly as she manipulates the toy, and produce a puppy who is not only fed, but also mentally-enriched and a bit tired.
  • Exercise your puppy before leaving him alone. Play with him, take him for a short walk, or do some quick training; it releases endorphins and burns off excess energy! (Chances are it’ll be good for you, too!) It’ll be easier for your puppy to settle in to his KONG or chew toys (or just a nice nap) if he’s not vibrating with pent up energy.

Leave and return calmly to help your puppy realize being alone is no big deal!

  • Interact with your puppy minimally for the 10 minutes or so before you leave. You don’t have to ostracize him; but playing, cuddling, training, etc. and then suddenly leaving can be a bit of a shock to your pup. Plan that 10 minutes for him to settle into his KONG or chew and lower-level of interaction with you before you walk out the door.
  • Making a BIG fuss over your puppy right when you return is a great way to train him to be over-excited and out-of-control when you arrive. We know it’s hard, but greet him calmly. And of course, when you do let him out of his crate, take him straight to an appropriate potty area!

If your puppy is really struggling to adapt to being alone, get help.

Most puppies will adapt to this reality of life with humans with minimal stress. If the above strategies do not seem to be producing a puppy with growing confidence and comfort being left alone, it’s time to consult a trainer before things get worse.

Contact us if you’re concerned!

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Serving Reno Nevada

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